Description
A hearty and flavorful quinoa casserole featuring smoked sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from fresh apples. This dish combines protein-rich quinoa with savory and fresh ingredients, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ cup white quinoa
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Sausage and Vegetables
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, diced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 apple, diced (about 1 cup)
- 14 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Bring 1 ½ cups of water and ¼ teaspoon sea salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add the quinoa and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir the quinoa, replace the lid, and let it sit covered for an additional 15 minutes. Fluff with a spatula once done.
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced smoked sausage and cook until it just begins to brown. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for 5-8 minutes until the onions become translucent. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the diced apple into the sausage and vegetable mixture. Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes, garlic salt, 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup of whole milk. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture is well combined. You may need to return the skillet to low heat briefly to melt the cheese fully.
- Add Quinoa: Incorporate the cooked and fluffed quinoa into the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps ensure even cooking and adds a rustic charm to the casserole presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chili flakes or substituting smoked sausage with a spicy variety.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese and milk with vegan alternatives.
- Be sure to fluff the quinoa after cooking to avoid a mushy texture in your casserole.