Cheesy Quinoa and Sausage Broccoli Casserole

• Meat

  • 4 4 oz links Chicken sausage

• Produce

  • 6 cups Broccoli florets, fresh
  • 1/2 cup Carrots
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme, dried
  • 1/2 cup Yellow onion

• Canned Goods

  • 2 cups Chicken stock, low sodium

• Pasta & Grains

  • 2 cups Quinoa

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1 1/2 tbsp Olive oil

• Bread & Baked Goods

  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

• Dairy

  • 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
  • 2 1/4 cup Cheddar, sharp
  • 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups Whole milk

• Liquids

  • 2 1/2 cups Water

Found on thechunkychef.com

Description

Directions

• Bring water and quinoa to a boil in saucepan.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• To a large skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and heat over MED heat.  Add chopped onion, carrot and chicken sausage and saute 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are softened and sausage is lightly browned.  Remove to a large mixing bowl, reserving the pan drippings in the skillet.
• While onions, carrots and sausage are sauteing, add broccoli florets to a large microwaveable bowl with a splash of water.  Cover bowl with a plate and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, to steam.  Drain broccoli and add to the large mixing bowl.
• Add butter and garlic to pan drippings, melt.  Add flour and whisk until mixture is combined and no flour lumps remain.
• Add milk and chicken stock, whisking to remove any lumps from the flour/butter mixture.  Bring to a high simmer and cook, whisking often for 2-4 minutes.  Mixture will thicken quite a bit.
• Add thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.  Add in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, whisking to melt cheese into sauce.
• Add cooked quinoa to large mixing bowl with other cooked ingredients.  Pour in cheese sauce and stir to combine well.
• Spray a 3 qt. casserole dish (13x9) with non-stick cooking spray and transfer 1/2 the mixture to dish.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, the top with remaining half of mixture.  
• Toss panko breadcrumbs with remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle over top of casserole.  Top with 2/3 cup cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbly.