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To create a delicious Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Skillet Bake, the first step is to properly prepare the quinoa. Rinsing quinoa is essential for removing its natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste if not washed away. Here's how to do it effectively:

Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Skillet Bake

Discover the comforting goodness of Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Skillet Bake—a delicious meal that's both nutritious and satisfying. This easy one-pan recipe combines rich ground beef, protein-packed quinoa, and a blend of melting cheeses for a truly heartwarming dish. Perfect for busy families, it's quick to prepare and loaded with flavor from fresh veggies and spices. Enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed to remove bitterness

2 cups beef broth

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for the skillet bake once prepared.

    Cook the Vegetables: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the meat into small pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

        Incorporate Quinoa and Broth: Stir in the thoroughly rinsed quinoa, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Season with paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to your taste. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat once the quinoa is cooked. Sprinkle half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef and quinoa mixture, gently stirring to combine.

            Bake to Perfection: Evenly distribute the remaining cheese on top of the skillet mixture. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown.

              Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, adding a pop of color to your dish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, cheesy skillet bake!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4-6 servings