Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
If you’re looking for substitutions, you can swap the ground turkey for ground beef or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. The quinoa can be replaced with brown rice if preferred, and any cheese that melts well can stand in for mozzarella.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the bell pepper, quinoa, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Cooking this casserole always reminds me of the times my sister Ouma and I would sneak into the kitchen to steal bites of the crispy cheese topping before dinner. Those little moments of mischief are what make cooking so special.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International