Name: Vegetarian Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 51 min
Total time: 2 h 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced; 1 teaspoon olive oil; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 3 shallots, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh sage; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 eggs, beaten (optional); ½ cup milk (dairy, soy, or almond); 1 cup Gruyere or vegan cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you are looking for a cozy, wholesome meal that bursts with autumn flavors, this Vegetarian Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender, roasted butternut squash with nutty quinoa and a delightful mix of herbs and cheese, creating a rich yet healthy dish that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite with its vibrant colors and satisfying textures that even meat-eaters will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black baking tray lined with brown parchment paper filled with small, evenly cut cubes of bright orange roasted squash. Each cube has a slightly roasted texture with some darker orange spots, giving a warm and cooked appearance. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with a subtle pattern, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. The cubes are spread in a single layer, covering most of the tray evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this casserole to showcase a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Each component plays an essential role, from the sweetness of the butternut squash to the creaminess of the cheese topping.

4 cups butternut squash peeled and diced: Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a tender bite.
1 teaspoon olive oil: Used to roast the squash and sauté aromatics, adding subtle richness.
3 shallots minced: These mild onions provide a delicate, sweet flavor that enhances the overall profile.
1 tablespoon fresh sage: Fresh sage gives a warm, earthy note that complements the squash perfectly.
6 cloves garlic minced: Garlic adds a punch of savory depth and aroma to the dish.
1 cup of quinoa rinsed: Quinoa is the protein-packed base with a slightly nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
1 ½ cups vegetable broth: Or chicken broth for non-vegetarians; this adds moisture and layers of flavor while cooking the quinoa.
1 ½ teaspoon sea salt: Helps bring out all the flavors, enhancing every ingredient.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a hint of spicy warmth to balance the sweetness.
2 eggs beaten (optional): Creates a luscious, custard-like texture when baked, but can be skipped for vegan versions.
½ cup milk (dairy, soy, or almond): Provides creaminess to bind the casserole together.
1 cup Gruyere or vegan cheese shredded: A melty, golden topping that adds richness and a delightful finish.

How to Make Vegetarian Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil. Spread the diced butternut squash evenly and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for about 15 minutes until the squash is tender and just beginning to caramelize. This slow roasting unlocks the squash’s natural sweetness, making it the star ingredient it deserves to be.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

While the squash roasts, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced shallots and fresh sage, cooking them gently for 8 minutes until the shallots soften and turn translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base sets a flavorful foundation for the quinoa to soak up.

Step 3: Combine Quinoa and Spices

Add the rinsed quinoa and roasted butternut squash directly to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the savory aromatics. Pour in vegetable broth along with the black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let the quinoa cook for 25 minutes until almost all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy and tender.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Transfer the quinoa mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs with your chosen milk, then pour this mixture evenly over the quinoa. Sprinkle the top with shredded Gruyere or vegan cheese for that irresistible melty finish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. For a golden-brown crust, switch on the broiler and toast the top for an additional two minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Vegetarian Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a spoonful of mixed rice dish held over a white bowl filled with the same food, showing three layers: the top layer has soft beige and light brown grains with some orange bits, the middle layer includes chunks of light brown mushrooms and small pieces of red tomato, while the bottom layer has slightly glossy cooked grains in pale yellow and orange tones. The spoon is silver with a floral design on the handle, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh sage leaves or chopped parsley on top when serving adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. For those who enjoy some crunch, lightly toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts make fantastic garnishes that complement the creamy texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. Adding a light, citrusy side salad cuts through the richness and makes the meal beautifully balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or bake this casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic touch. Offering a variety of cheeses on the side lets guests customize their experience. You could even top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce for some fun, unexpected flavor twists.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Simply cover and refrigerate once fully cooled.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save extra portions, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe dish before baking or after it cools down fully post-baking. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. It will stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or broth before reheating helps refresh the texture and keeps it moist. Top with a bit more cheese to revive that melty appeal.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the eggs for a flax or chia seed egg substitute and use your favorite plant-based milk and vegan cheese to make this casserole entirely vegan without sacrificing any flavor or creaminess.

Is quinoa necessary, or can I substitute other grains?

Quinoa provides a wonderful texture and protein punch, but you can use couscous, farro, or bulgur if preferred. Just adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.

Can I prepare this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! The Vegetarian Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Just be sure your broth and any packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

The cayenne pepper adds only a subtle warmth, which balances the sweetness of the squash. You can easily adjust the amount or leave it out altogether for a milder casserole.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients and flavor diversity. Just make sure to cook any additional vegetables before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend trying the Vegetarian Butternut Squash Quinoa Casserole Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, comforting, and versatile enough to suit many tastes. Once you give it a go, this casserole will become your go-to for a heartwarming meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!