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- 1 pound lean ground beef - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat

Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Quinoa Skillet

Discover the perfect solution for busy weeknights with this Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Quinoa Skillet recipe. Packed with lean ground beef, protein-rich quinoa, and vibrant broccoli, this one-skillet meal delights with its creamy, cheesy sauce. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also loaded with nutrition. Enjoy a wholesome dish that will satisfy your family and leave you with minimal cleanup. This recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking flavorful and healthy meals on the go.

Ingredients
  

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups beef broth (or water)

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for added depth)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

    Brown the Beef: Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking. Season it with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue to cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

      Add Quinoa and Broth: Once the beef is browned, pour in the rinsed quinoa and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for approximately 15 minutes.

        Incorporate Broccoli: After 15 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate them, then cover the skillet again and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the broccoli is tender.

          Cheesy Finish: Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mixture. Replace the lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.

            Serve and Garnish: Use a fork to fluff the quinoa, mixing it with the beef and broccoli gently. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls for a casual dining experience and sprinkle extra parsley on top for added freshness. Pair with a light salad for a complete meal!