Cheesy Quinoa Casserole

This is quite simply guilt free comfort food!  A great alternative to baked mac n cheese or broccoli rice and cheese casserole.  Simple to make and sure to be kid friendly!  If you are new to quinoa you can read about it's awesomeness in my previous post here.

Here's what you will need...

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa
• 2 broccoli crowns chopped 
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 large eggs (read about health benefits of eggs here)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or about 4 ounces (I used raw smoked cheddar)
• 4 slices turkey bacon crumbled
• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Panko bread crumbs for topping (organic variety available in the bulk food section of Mama Jeans)

To Prepare...

Begin by cooking quinoa according to package directions adding 1 tsp salt.  Mine was 3 cups water to 1 1/2 cups quinoa.  If you are new to quinoa it cooks just like rice.  Bring the water to a boil, add the quinoa, reduce heat to low and cover.  Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until all water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.  

Once the quinoa is cooking pre-heat your oven to 350.  Turkey bacon typically comes pre-cooked so there is no need to cook prior to adding it to this recipe, however, I like mine a little crispy so I like to throw it in the toaster oven to broil for a bit, but you can skip this step if you want.  Meanwhile chop the broccoli and garlic and shred the cheese if you did not buy pre-shredded.  

When quinoa is done mix all ingredients except bread crumbs together until well blended and add to square baking dish.  Top with breadcrumbs and place in the oven for about 30 min or until top is golden brown.