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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained - 2 cups beef broth (or water) - 1 cup diced onions - 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup frozen corn - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) - Optional: fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Bake

Discover the perfect family-friendly meal with this One-Pan Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Bake! This delicious dish features ground beef, nutritious quinoa, and colorful vegetables, all baked together with gooey cheese for a comforting dinner. It's an easy, time-saving recipe that offers great flavor and nutrition, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy a hearty meal with minimal cleanup and plenty of leftovers for later!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

2 cups beef broth (can use low-sodium if preferred)

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juice

1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained if using canned)

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking when your dish is prepared.

    Cook the Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat, add the ground beef. Using a spatula, break the meat up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes) until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it for a leaner dish.

      Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Incorporate Quinoa and Spices: Pour in the rinsed quinoa, beef broth, black beans, diced tomatoes with all their juices, and corn. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

          Combine and Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This will cook the quinoa and allow it to absorb most of the liquid, becoming fluffy.

            Add the Cheese: Once the quinoa is cooked, remove the lid and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese atop the beef and quinoa mixture, ensuring it’s well-distributed.

              Bake the Dish: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: After baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven (it will be hot!). Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings

                    Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal that combines comforting flavors with nourishing ingredients for a delightful dinner!