1. Homepage
  2. Recipes
  3. Cheesy Spinach Sausage Quinoa

Cheesy Spinach Sausage Quinoa

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This comforting bake blends fluffy quinoa with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach, layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme enhance the flavor, creating a dish that's both hearty and satisfying. It’s baked to golden perfection, delivering a creamy, cheesy texture with each bite. Easily customizable for dietary preferences, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals. Leftovers reheat well, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Pin This Recipe Share this Dish Email This Print It Out Skip to the Recipe
A woman wearing a pink apron is cutting a cake.
Published By Evelyn
Updated as of Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:48:53 GMT
A bowl of cheesy spinach sausage quinoa. Bookmark
A bowl of cheesy spinach sausage quinoa. | foodbymary.com

This Cheesy Spinach Sausage Quinoa Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and protein-packed quinoa with layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal that feels indulgent without being heavy, and also makes a great make-ahead option for busy families or meal prepping.

I created this after my kids begged for something rich like lasagna but easier and quicker to make on weeknights. Seeing them sneak bites of spinach while layering the cheese has turned this into a favorite comfort meal we make often.

Ingredients

  • Quinoa: A complete protein adding substance to the bake Choose pre-rinsed quinoa to avoid any bitterness
  • Vegetable or chicken broth: Enhances the quinoa’s flavor Use low sodium broth for better seasoning control
  • Italian sausage: Brings bold flavor and meaty texture Fresh sausage gives the richest taste
  • Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrients Baby spinach is tender and wilts nicely
  • Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness Whole milk ricotta delivers best flavor and moisture
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a gooey top Buy a block and shred fresh for better meltability
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty depth Freshly grated beats pre-shredded every time
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves provide the brightest aroma
  • Onion: Sweetens and rounds out the savory base
  • Dried basil oregano thyme: Classic Italian herbs that enhance every bite
  • Salt and pepper: Layered seasoning Taste as you go for balance
  • Optional red pepper flakes: Just a whisper of heat if you want extra zip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Quinoa:
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Combine it with broth in a pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand while you prepare the other ingredients.
Brown the Sausage:
Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it browns evenly. This layer adds richness and flavor depth to the dish.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Push the sausage to one side of the skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook gently for about five minutes, stirring often until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir it in with the sausage and aromatics. Cook for two minutes until the leaves wilt and the spinach becomes bright green and tender.
Combine the Filling:
Transfer the sausage and spinach mixture to a large bowl. Fold in the cooked quinoa, ricotta, most of the mozzarella, all of the Parmesan, and the dried herbs. Season carefully with salt and pepper. The mixture should be combined well without becoming too wet.
Assemble the Bake:
Spread the filling evenly into a greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the surface to create a golden cheesy crust after baking.
Bake It:
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Let the bake rest for a few minutes before slicing to help it stay neat.
A dish of cheesy spinach sausage quinoa. Bookmark
A dish of cheesy spinach sausage quinoa. | foodbymary.com

Spinach is my favorite for its gentle flavor and silky texture when baked. One weekend my daughter insisted on licking the mixing spoon because she loved the cheesy filling so much. Now she is the official mixer every time I make this.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat by covering with foil and warming in a moderate oven to melt the cheese back without drying the dish. If you prepare this ahead of time, assembled but uncooked, it will keep in the fridge overnight ready to bake the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ricotta, try blending cottage cheese until smooth for a similar creamy texture. You can swap Italian sausage for ground turkey chicken or a vegetarian crumble to fit different diets. Swiss chard or kale make great alternatives to spinach for a different green but similar hearty effect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve generous scoops with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. This bake travels well which makes it perfect to bring to potlucks or as part of a brunch spread where it always gets great reviews.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheesy casseroles like this one are the heart of family tables across many cultures due to their comforting flavors and simple prep. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, this bake combines Italian sausage and fresh cheeses in a balanced, nutritious way. It also calls to mind the casseroles my grandmother used to bring to church suppers, evoking a warm sense of tradition.

Pro Tips

  • Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to keep bitterness at bay
  • Shred your own mozzarella for the best melt and flavor
  • Let the bake rest a few minutes after coming out of the oven so it slices neatly and keeps its shape

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the sausage and add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

→ What cheeses work best in this bake?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a creamy, melty, and flavorful combination. You can also try provolone, cheddar, or fontina for variations.

→ Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula work well when chopped roughly and added in place of spinach.

→ How can I add more spice to this dish?

A pinch of red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage adds a pleasant kick without overpowering the other flavors.

→ Is this bake suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat uncovered in the oven until bubbly and warm.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep the cheese creamy.

Cheesy Spinach Sausage Quinoa

A warm, cheesy bake combining spinach, savory sausage, quinoa, and Italian herbs for a tasty, filling dish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Complete Time
50 minutes
Published By: Evelyn

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Total Portions: 6 Serves How Many (6 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Required Ingredients

→ Grains and Broth

01 180 g pre-rinsed quinoa
02 480 ml low sodium vegetable or chicken broth

→ Meat

03 250 g fresh Italian sausage, casings removed

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

04 120 g fresh baby spinach, chopped
05 1 medium onion, diced (about 150 g)
06 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Cheeses

07 150 g whole milk ricotta cheese
08 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
09 60 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Herbs and Seasonings

10 1 tsp dried basil
11 1 tsp dried oregano
12 1 tsp dried thyme
13 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine quinoa and broth in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered.

Step 02

Remove casings and crumble sausage into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned, breaking meat into small pieces, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 03

Push browned sausage to one side of skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the empty space and cook slowly for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic fragrant.

Step 04

Add chopped spinach to the skillet and stir with the sausage mixture. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and turns vibrant green.

Step 05

Transfer sausage and vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add cooked quinoa, ricotta, most of the mozzarella, Parmesan, dried herbs, salt, pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Fold gently until combined but not watery.

Step 06

Grease a baking dish and spread the filling evenly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top for a golden crust.

Step 07

Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 190°C for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Handy Cooking Tips

  1. Rinsing quinoa thoroughly prevents any bitter taste.
  2. Shredding mozzarella from a block improves meltability.
  3. Letting the bake rest enhances sliceability and texture.
  4. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best covered in a moderate oven.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Large pot for cooking quinoa
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and gluten-free (verify sausage ingredients for gluten content)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420.5
  • Fat: 24.8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28.2 grams
  • Proteins: 28.4 grams