Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole Recipe

Name: Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt, Divided; 1 box (8 Oz. Size) Quinoa Penne Noodles; 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 pound Lean Ground Beef, 90/10; 1 whole Yellow Onion, Diced; 1 whole Shallot, Minced; 3 cloves Garlic, Minced; 7 whole Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced; 1 cup Grape Tomatoes, Halved; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1 teaspoon Dried Basil; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme; 1/2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper; 3 cups Tomato Sauce; 8 ounces, weight Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Or Shredded; 1 Tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese, For Garnish (optional)

Servings: persons

2 teaspoons Kosher Salt, Divided
1 box (8 Oz. Size) Quinoa Penne Noodles
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 pound Lean Ground Beef, 90/10
1 whole Yellow Onion, Diced
1 whole Shallot, Minced
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
7 whole Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced
1 cup Grape Tomatoes, Halved
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
3 cups Tomato Sauce
8 ounces, weight Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Or Shredded
1 Tablespoon Grated Parmesan Cheese, For Garnish (optional)

1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2
Fill a deep stock pot halfway with water and heat over high heat.
3
Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and the noodles once boiling.
4
When al dente (almost tender), about 810 minutes, drain and set aside.
5
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6
Add ground beef.
7
Break into crumbles and brown well.
8
Once well-browned, remove meat from skillet and set aside in a bowl, reserving the drippings in the pan.
9
Return heat to medium-high.
10
Add onion and shallot and cook until onion begins to sweat.
11
Add garlic, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and cook until onion and mushrooms are tender.
12
Return the ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
13
Add seasonings (oregano, basil, thyme, remaining salt, and pepper) and tomato sauce and stir to combine.
14
If too thick, add 1/4 cup water to loosen.
15
Once mixture begins to simmer, add drained noodles and mix well.
16
Pour meat sauce and noodles into a 9x16 casserole dish and cover with a thin layer of mozzarella cheese.
17
Place into the oven for 810 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
18
Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

689

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt, Divided, 1 box (8 Oz. Size) Quinoa Penne Noodles, 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 pound Lean Ground Beef, 90/10, and more.

Yes, Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions