Ground Turkey, Quinoa “Pasta” Bake

Posted on by Jenni & Stitch

Quinoa is a great alternative to gluten and carb filled pasta! I was graving something hearty and healthy and realized I didn’t have any noodles. I decided to give quinoa a chance and glad I did because now I have another go-to meal. This can feed an army or else you can save it for lunches throughout the week. I typically add additional spinach and scoop of hummus to the leftovers. 

Health Benefits:

  1. Quinoa: Protein-rich, full of Fiber and high in Magnesium (promotes healthy blood sugar).
  2. Eat you “Peas”: Contains many minerals such as Iron, Zinc and Calcium. 
  3. Broccoli: Great source of Vitamin K and C. 
Print
Ground Turkey, Quinoa "Pasta" Bake
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Servings: 6 People
Author: Jenni & Stitch
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. Ground Turkey
  • Various Spices for Meat (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp Kimchi
  • 1 Cup Cooked Quinoa
  • 1/2 Cup Daiya Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 2 Cups Cooked Broccoli
  • 1 Cup Frozen Peas
  • 2 Cups Pasta Sauce
Instructions

  1. Ground Turkey on medium heat. Then I added chili powder, tumeric, cumin, cayenne pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. I just eyeball amounts. No need to get scientific. And add a splash or two of water. Just like you would for tacos and let the water get absorbed in ingredients. 

  2. Add 2 cups of Pasta Sauce to ground turkey and kimchi. I use one without added sugars. Hard to find-but leave it to my trusted Natural Grocers to carry it! Put lid on and place on low to simmer. 

  3. Place 1 cup of Quinoa with 2 cups of water in saucepan. Once it comes to a boil. Then you put on simmer with lid on. Takes about 10 minutes. 

  4. Place 2 cups of frozen or fresh broccoli in additional saucepan with water covering half the broccoli. Once it's boiling, then reduce to simmer. Takes about 10 minutes. 

  5. Drain broccoli and then mash with fork to break into smaller pieces. 

  6. Literally, all of these ingredients come together at the same time. Therefore, it's a bit of a juggling act at first and then once all the ingredients come together, it's a piece of cake!

  7. Put all ingredients together in larger saucepan. Cooked Quinoa, Ground Turkey and now the broccoli. Incorporate the frozen peas and 1/4 cup of Daiya cheese. 

  8. Use other 1/4 cup of leftover cheese to sprinkle over the top. I also added Trader Joe's "Everything But the Bagel" Seasoning pre-bake. 

  9. Bake @ 350 degrees. Then cook for about 20 minutes.