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Hey friends!
Looking for a cozy and comforting dish? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious butternut squash quinoa casserole.
It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients.
Get ready to impress your taste buds! Let’s dive in!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Butternut squash can be replaced with sweet potato or pumpkin, offering similar texture and nutritional benefits. These alternatives provide comparable sweetness and fiber content, with minimal adjustments needed in cooking time. Quinoa can be substituted with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or with brown rice for a different whole grain. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as cauliflower rice cooks faster than quinoa. Dairy-free cheese can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and added B vitamins. Use about half the amount of nutritional yeast compared to the cheese called for in the recipe. For those who consume dairy, regular cheese can be used as a direct substitute for dairy-free cheese. These alternatives maintain the dish’s overall flavor profile while accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions.
Preparation Time | 15-30 minutes |
Cooking Time | 30-45 minutes |
Total Time | 45-75 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 30-35 g
- Carbohydrates: 100-110 g
Ingredients
- Butternut squash
- Quinoa
- Corn
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Lime juice
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dairy free cheese
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the butternut squash into cubes.
For convenience, you can use pre-cut butternut squash.
Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until tender, which should take about 25-30 minutes.
This will bring out the natural sweetness of the squash.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
While the squash is roasting, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
Typically, this involves rinsing the quinoa and then simmering it in water or broth until the grains are tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the quinoa is cooked and the squash is roasted, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Add in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, lime juice, and season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and coated with seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the quinoa and butternut squash mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with your choice of dairy-free cheese, covering the entire surface to create a cheesy layer.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
This will also further meld the flavors together, creating a cohesive dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish each serving with baked avocado on top for added creaminess, if desired.
This enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.
Serve warm and enjoy your colorful and nutritious butternut squash quinoa casserole!