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In the ever-evolving landscape of comfort food, casseroles reign supreme as a beloved staple that brings warmth, heartiness, and a sense of home to the dining table. These one-dish wonders are perfect for feeding a crowd, offering a satisfying meal that often combines a variety of flavors and textures into a cohesive whole. Among the myriad of casserole recipes, the Savory Cheesy Balsamic Casserole stands out as a delightful fusion of wholesome ingredients and robust flavors. This dish masterfully melds the nutritious goodness of quinoa with vibrant, fresh vegetables and rich cheeses, creating a meal that is not only delicious but also brimming with nutrients.

Cheesy Balsamic Casserole

Discover the delightful Savory Cheesy Balsamic Casserole, a perfect comfort food that's both nutritious and satisfying. Combining protein-packed quinoa with vibrant vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, this dish is topped with creamy mozzarella and ricotta for that perfect cheesy goodness. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, it’s an easy, make-ahead meal that everyone will love. Explore step-by-step instructions to create a wholesome dish that warms the heart and brings people together.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked quinoa

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for your casserole.

    Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium flame. Add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic, sautéing them together until the onion becomes translucent; this should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, incorporate the diced zucchini and red bell pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but still maintain some crunch.

      Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetable mix, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. With a gentle hand, fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and coated.

        Transfer to Baking Dish: Take a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and pour the delicious mixture inside, spreading it out evenly to ensure a consistent cook throughout.

          Top with Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy crust, sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.

            Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

              Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aroma before serving. Enjoy your savory cheesy balsamic casserole warm for a comforting and satisfying meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr | 6 servings