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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 1 pound lean ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cups beef broth or water - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Casserole

Discover a delicious blend of nutrition and comfort with this Cheesy Beef & Quinoa Delight recipe. Made with protein-packed quinoa, lean ground beef, melty cheese, and colorful vegetables, this dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and meal prepping. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also gluten-free and rich in essential nutrients. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup beef broth

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)

1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned. If there's excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish leaner.

    Sauté Aromatics: To the cooked beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

      Add Veggies and Spices: Toss in the diced bell pepper, corn, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season it all with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper has softened slightly.

        Incorporate Quinoa: Stir the rinsed quinoa into the skillet, then pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with their juice and the beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the quinoa is well distributed.

          Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

            Add Cheese: After the quinoa has reached a fluffy consistency, remove the lid and fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and creates a creamy texture throughout the dish. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping later.

              Bake (Optional): If you enjoy a crispy cheese topping, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the top, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this dish in individual bowls and garnish with additional herbs for a vibrant touch. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal!