Share & Save for later!

Looking to boost your family’s well-being without sacrificing flavor? This easy healthy beef casserole recipe with quinoa is packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains for a complete and satisfying meal. Love healthy, one-pan wonders? Explore the website for more easy gluten-free casserole recipes and healthy quinoa recipes for inspiration.

Packed with bone broth for added richness, tricolor quinoa for a boost of nutrients, and a vibrant medley of fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, carrots, and bell peppers, this ground beef casserole is a flavor fiesta your family will devour.

This satisfying dish is brimming with fresh ingredients like lean ground beef, crisp vegetables, and fluffy quinoa, all bathed in a savory broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in under an hour.

Ditch the takeout menus and whip up this delicious and nourishing casserole. It’s sure to become a new family favorite. This flavorful casserole is gluten-free and dairy-free making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

Healthy Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients

To create this easy casserole, you’ll need some fresh yet simple ingredients: 

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion, (1 small, or 1/2 large onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper, (1 pepper)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow pepper (1/2 pepper)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots, (2 medium carrots)
• 1 – 14.5oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes, do not drain
• ​1 1/2 cup broth 
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 Tbsp arrowroot powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup quinoa, measured dry
• salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Tips and Swaps

This healthy ground beef casserole recipe is made with a variety of veggies. You can swap in any of your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, or mushrooms if you’d like. In this case, it’s perfectly fine to get creative.

For the broth, I am using homemade bone broth, but you can use homemade or storebought beef or chicken broth.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure policy

Quinoa shines as a health star thanks to its impressive fiber content. This fiber not only keeps your digestive system running smoothly but also promotes feelings of fullness, potentially aiding weight management. Additionally, quinoa stands out as a complete protein source in the plant-based world. This means it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs for various functions, making it a valuable addition to any diet.

When choosing quinoa brands, consider whether you prefer the convenience of pre-rinsed quinoa, which saves time but may cost slightly more, or the affordability of non-rinsed quinoa, which requires rinsing but offers more control over flavor. Other factors include organic certification, type of quinoa (white, red, black, or tricolor), and fair trade certification. I am using organic pre-rinsed tricolor quinoa.

For the meat, I use lean, grass-fed, and finished beef for its rich flavor and potential health benefits. Look for options from reputable sources that prioritize sustainable farming practices. You can get quality meat online from Crowd Cow and they ship straight to your home.

How to Make a Healthy Ground Beef Casserole: Prep the Base

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Then heat the oil in a large skillet, and brown the meat cooked. (7-10 minutes) Once browned and crumbly, drain any excess fat from the ground beef using a fine-mesh strainer before adding the remaining ingredients.

Next, add the diced onion and cook until translucent. (2 minutes)

Then add the garlic and cook for one more minute.

Next, add the chopped vegetables to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5 minutes until tender.

Then add the can of fire-roasted tomatoes with the juices.

Add the broth to the skillet.

Also, add the fresh parsley.

Add the quinoa to the skillet. Simply add the pre-rinsed quinoa to the skillet. If you aren’t using pre-rinsed quinoa, thoroughly rinse it according to package instructions before adding it to the skillet.

Lastly, add the arrowroot powder, salt, pepper, and oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Simmer over low-medium heat for 5 minutes.

Simmering the ingredients for 5 minutes before baking serves a double purpose. First, it allows the quinoa to soak up the surrounding flavors from the broth, vegetables, and seasonings, resulting in a more delicious and well-rounded casserole. Second, the simmer jumpstarts the cooking process for the quinoa, ensuring it’s fully cooked through by the time the casserole finishes baking in the oven.

How Long to Bake a Healthy Beef Casserole with Quinoa and Vegetables

Transfer the casserole mixture to a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the quinoa is cooked through.

Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a beautifully crisp, golden-brown top.

Healthy Vegetable Beef Casserole Recipe

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This hearty and satisfying casserole is packed with complete protein from the beef and quinoa, along with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and a touch of nuttiness from the tricolor quinoa. It’s a nourishing and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Dig in and enjoy!

Bonus Tip: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

More healthy gluten-free casserole recipes:

• Ground Pork and Rice Casserole Recipe
• Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Casserole Recipe
• Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Share & Save for later!