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As the summer days fade and the school year approaches, families often find themselves in a whirlwind of activities. Between morning routines, after-school homework, and evening commitments, the time available for meal preparation can dwindle significantly. This is where the Back To School Casserole comes to the rescue, offering a perfect blend of nutrition, convenience, and flavor that the entire family will love.

Back To School Casserole

Get ready for back-to-school season with this easy and nutritious Back To School Casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish combines quinoa or brown rice, lean protein, and colorful veggies for a family-friendly meal packed with essential nutrients. It’s customizable to suit picky eaters, allowing you to mix and match ingredients to fit everyone’s taste. Discover how to whip up this delicious casserole and make shared family meals a breeze!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked quinoa (or brown rice)

1 pound ground turkey (or beef)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

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

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

        Season the Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Mix well to combine, and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, frozen mixed vegetables, and the seasoned meat mixture. Fold in half of the shredded cheese, reserving the other half for topping.

            Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

              Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.

                Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

                  Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings