Spinach and Ground Turkey Quinoa Casserole

Have you jumped on the quinoa band wagon yet? Or maybe you're looking for a tasty and healthy meal to have for your dinner this week.  Well, here's a great casserole dish for you that has an abundance of flavors, with juicy pieces of ground turkey mixed with quinoa and spinach. This recipe is great because you can add as much or as little spinach as you want.
I even find myself trying other types of veggies every time I make this. Garnish it up with diced tomatoes, parsley, or green onions. You can even dress it up further and add sour cream. Either way, just have fun with it and enjoy! 

Spinach and Ground Turkey Quinoa Casserole:
Serves about 8-10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry quinoa
• 1-1 1/2 lbs extra lean ground turkey
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 5 medium garlic cloves, chopped
• 5-6 oz baby spinach, chopped
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 3 cups light cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded (I preferred to mix both types together)
• 2 teaspoons basil, fresh or dry  
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt & ground black pepper to taste
• Diced tomatoes, parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Cook quinoa as instructed on package but under cook by 3-4 minutes. Add to a large mixing bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F degrees and spray baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Preheat skillet on medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Add turkey and sauté for 5-8 minutes, breaking into pieces with the spatula. Drain the excess liquid and add to the bowl with quinoa.
4. Return skillet to the burner and spray with cooking spray again. Add garlic and onions, and fry until golden brown. Add spinach and sauté until it's wilted. Transfer to a bowl with quinoa and turkey.
5. Into the same bowl, add tomato sauce, bread crumbs, 2 cups of cheese, thyme, basil, salt and ground pepper to taste. Mix enough to combine, may need to add an additional 1/2 cup of tomato sauce if mixture looks a bit dry.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for 25-28 minutes. Serve immediately.
7. Optional: sprinkle with diced tomatoes, parsley or green onions. May refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Note: This dish on the Weight Watcher points program is about 11-12 points per serving.