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- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste

One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Casserole

Satisfy your cravings with this One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Casserole, a perfect weeknight dinner for busy families. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lean ground beef, quinoa, and colorful veggies, this dish combines convenience with great taste. Easy to prepare and clean up, it features a medley of flavors and a gooey cheese topping that will delight everyone at the table. Discover how simple it is to create a hearty, delicious meal in just one pan!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorites)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it 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. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

      Add the Quinoa and Veggies: Stir in the rinsed quinoa, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.

        Cook the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Cheesy Topping: Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Be careful not to burn it!

            Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven (if broiled), let it cool for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty one-pan meal!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings