Quick Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole

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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!

butternut squash quinoa casserole
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

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!

butternut squash quinoa casserole
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

butternut squash quinoa casserole
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

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