Cheesy Bacon Quinoa Casserole

If you are like me, you can never have too many casserole recipes. This Cheesy Bacon Quinoa Casserole is packed with veggies, cheese , bacon and quinoa. This is the perfect, healthy comfort food made with just 5 simple, wholesome ingredients.

With three busy kids, I need to have lots of make-ahead-meals in my rotation.  This casserole can be prepared the night before, or in the morning and then placed in the oven later.  

This recipe only has 5 ingredients, well 6 if you count the water.

You can easily omit the bacon if you want to keep this vegetarian. If you do keep it, make sure you choose quality center cut, low sodium, nitrate and nitrite free bacon.  

I promise it tastes just as good as the kind that is filled with all of those nasty chemicals.  

If you are looking for some other healthy recipes, you will love this Zucchini Ravioli, Healthy Goulash, Easy Baked Ziti and definitely this Eggplant Parmesan.

All of these would be even more yummy with some Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate, Apple Chai Latte and definitely some Spiked Apple Cider!

Why You Should Make This Cheesy Bacon Quinoa Casserole

I love a grow ahead meal that can be prepared the night before. It really does save so much time.

This quinoa casserole is also loaded with plant-based protein which is perfect for those who want to add more protein to their diets. You don't always have to devour eggs and meat to eat more protein.

Recipe Tips

I also tried it another time with kale instead of spinach and it was delicious too. If I ma being completely honest, I definitely preferred it with spinach instead of kale but it still was tasty.

I have made this so many times and I think each time I used a different type of cheese. Basically I just use whatever I have in the house, like Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, Manchego, Asiago... you name it. 

I was going to try it with Gruyere cheese but couldn't get past the smell (sorry all of you Gruyere lovers).  I loved all of the different cheese and hope you try using new ones too.

Just make sure you come back and let me know. I love hearing all of your substitutions and suggestions, you guys always have the best ideas.

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Cheesy Bacon Quinoa Casserole

This Cheesy Bacon Quinoa Casserole is the perfect comfort food made with just 5 simple, wholesome ingredients.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: brunch, dinner, lunch, Main Course, main dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 228kcal

Author: Lauren Kelly

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 ½ cups quinoa rinsed and drained
• ▢ 3 cups water
• ▢ 1 cup milk of choice
• ▢ 4 cups baby spinach
• ▢ 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese I use Vermont Sharp from Cabot
• ▢ 4 pieces bacon center cut, nitrate-free cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions

• Place rinsed quinoa and water in a large sauce pan under high heat.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is gone.
• Add milk and spinach and stir until mixed well and spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
• Add one cup of cheese and mix well. Place in lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and cover.
• Place in the refrigerator if you are baking later.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Bake in oven for 30 minutes until melted.
• Add remaining ½ cup cheese and crumbled bacon and broil for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.

Notes

To store in the refrigerator: Place in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1673IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 2mg

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