If you love recipes that feel indulgent but are secretly wholesome, this Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole is your new weeknight hero. It’s the perfect mix of gooey melted cheese, fluffy quinoa, and tender veggies baked together until bubbly and golden. Every bite is comforting, packed with flavor, and full of good-for-you ingredients that make you feel great after eating it.
The first time I made this casserole, I had leftover quinoa and a fridge full of vegetables that needed to be used. I tossed everything with a bit of cheese, some spices, and baked it — and just like that, dinner became something incredible. Since then, it’s earned a spot right alongside my Filling Mexican Sweet Potato Quinoa Casserole and Rice and Bean Casserole with Sweet Potatoes as one of my all-time favorite feel-good dinners.
Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse quinoa and cook it in vegetable broth according to package directions. Fluff with a fork once done and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and corn. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, cheesy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole
This Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dish — creamy, hearty, and satisfying, while still packed with protein and fiber. It’s a balanced meal all in one dish, full of fresh vegetables and a cheesy finish that makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
If you’re a fan of cozy vegetarian dishes like my Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie or Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, this casserole will become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
It’s simple, wholesome, and just as easy to throw together as my Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake — no complicated steps, just delicious results.
How to Make Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold water, then cook it in vegetable broth according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and corn. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour. Gradually pour in milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Once it thickens, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, sautéed veggies, and cheesy sauce. Season with Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
It’s as fuss-free and comforting as my Cheesy Tortilla Quiche — simple ingredients that turn into something amazing when baked together.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole
- Use flavorful broth: Cooking the quinoa in broth instead of water adds depth to every bite.
- Don’t overcook veggies: Keep them slightly crisp for better texture.
- Cheese choices matter: Try mixing cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect melt and flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance, then bake before serving.
These small touches make casseroles like my Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake and Buffalo Chicken Bowls just as flavorful and easy to love.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
- Protein Boost: Stir in chickpeas, lentils, or tofu cubes.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt before baking.
Like my Vegan Pasta Primavera, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever’s in your fridge — make it your own!
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
It’s every bit as reheatable and meal-prep friendly as my One-Pan Chicken Gallaba Skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this vegan?
Yes — just use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk for the sauce.
2. Can I freeze Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole?
Absolutely! It freezes and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
3. Can I add more protein?
You can mix in chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken for an extra boost.
4. What vegetables work best?
Zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, and even cauliflower all bake beautifully in this casserole.
The Final Bite
This Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole is warm, cheesy, and bursting with goodness — the kind of dinner that makes you feel both nourished and spoiled. Every bite is rich with flavor and perfectly balanced between creamy cheese and fresh vegetables.
Serve it on its own for a satisfying meal, or pair it with a slice of Christmas Bread Recipe for a cozy, complete dinner.