Name: Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup red onion (diced); 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped); 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup quinoa (rinsed and drained); 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

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Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa is a creamy, protein-packed one-pot dish featuring tender broccoli, fluffy quinoa, and melted cheddar cheese, ready in just 20 minutes. Serve as a side dish with Vegan Brisket or Grilled BBQ Tofu.

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa ~ An easy, one-pot, stovetop dish that packs a nutritional punch with fresh broccoli and protein-rich quinoa. Dairy-free cheddar cheese adds a subtle creaminess to this healthy alternative to traditional broccoli rice casserole.

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Table of Contents

Why This Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Recipe Works

I like this recipe because cooking the quinoa in broth rather than water builds foundational flavor, and sautéing the onion first develops sweetness that balances the broccoli’s earthiness. Adding the cheese at the end and letting it melt with residual heat creates a creamy coating without making the dish heavy or greasy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Butter – Adds richness and helps develop flavor when sautéing the onion.
Red Onion – Provides sweetness and aromatic depth. Yellow onion can also be used.
Broccoli Florets – Fresh broccoli is ideal for the best texture and flavor, though frozen florets work in a pinch. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw first.
Vegetable Broth – Infuses the quinoa with savory flavor as it cooks.
Quinoa – I use tri-color quinoa for visual appeal, but white, red, or black varieties all work beautifully. Rinse thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Cheddar Cheese – Adds creamy richness and sharp, tangy flavor.

Make it Vegan 🌱

For a plant-based dish, use vegan butter and your favorite vegan cheddar cheese.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa

STEP ONE: Sauté the Onion
Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add diced red onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and fragrant.

STEP TWO: Add the Main Ingredients
Add chopped broccoli florets, rinsed quinoa, broth, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low.

STEP THREE: Simmer Until Tender
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green.

STEP FOUR: Melt the Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into a creamy coating.

STEP FIVE: Season and Serve
Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish holds up well for meal prep.
Reheat gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture. This dish is also good cold as a grain salad.

More Quinoa Recipes

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A white plate filled with a colorful quinoa salad, featuring red and white quinoa mixed with cheesy broccoli quinoa and finely shredded green vegetables, set on a light wooden surface.

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Recipe

Creamy one-pot quinoa with tender broccoli and melted cheddar cheese.

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: broccoli, cheddar cheese, healthy, one-pot, quick and easy, quinoa, vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Calories: 299kcal

Author: Holly Gray

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup red onion diced
2 cups broccoli florets chopped
1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add diced red onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and fragrant.
Add chopped broccoli florets, rinsed quinoa, broth, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into a creamy coating.
Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot.

Notes

Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen florets work in a pinch (no need to thaw)
For a vegan version, use vegan butter and vegan cheddar cheese
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Nutrition

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This post was updated February 12, 2026.