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+ servings

The Dude Diet: Cheeseburger Quinoa Bake (The #DudeDietBook is OUT!)

Author - Serena Wolf
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yields: 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
  • cups low-sodium beef broth Low-sodium chicken broth or water will also work.
  • 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes
  • cups grated sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • For serving: optional
  • 1 cup chopped hearts of romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • ½ cup finely chopped bread-and-butter pickles

Instructions

  • Combine the quinoa and beef broth in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for 14 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Let the quinoa rest, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, combine the Panko, sesame seeds and ½ teaspoon of the smoked paprika. Set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the onion and garlic, and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the beef, salt, pepper, and remaining ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat into small pieces with a spatula, until no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste, mustard and Worcestershire and cook for 3 more minutes, then stir in the diced tomatoes.
  • Turn off the heat and fold in the cooked quinoa and ½ cup of the cheese. Smooth the top of the filling with a spatula. Add the remaining cheese in an even layer and sprinkle with the panko mix. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese has melted and the topping is lightly browned.
  • Let your kickass quinoa bake rest for 10 minutes. (Trust me, it will be scary hot.) Serve topped with chopped lettuce and pickles.