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Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake

This Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake is a guilt-free delight! Packed with protein and cheesy goodness, it's perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry, uncooked quinoa
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 8 ounces shredded cheese your favorite cheese blend; lite/reduced fat/vegan cheese okay
  • 2 tablespoons fresh or dried basil divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can give it a bitter taste. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
  • While the quinoa is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden top.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. If you’d like to sauté any vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, now is the perfect time! Once they’re soft, pour in your marinara sauce and stir in 1 tablespoon of basil. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with half of the shredded cheese (4 ounces), the remaining tablespoon of basil, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
  • In the prepared baking dish, start with a layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Follow this with half of the quinoa mixture, spreading it evenly. Next, add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by the remaining quinoa. Top with the final layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once baked, let the lasagna sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a little, making it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy it warm, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired!

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Notes

  • Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for more nutrition!
  • You can use cooked ground turkey or chicken for a heartier meal.
  • For a vegan option, substitute cheese with a plant-based alternative.
  • Spice it up with red pepper flakes or jalapeños in the marinara.