Back by most popular demand!!! This is a protein packed alternative to Mac N’ Cheese, and well…Delicious! There is no reason we can’t have it all.
On top of it all, my Moni Meal recipe is going to leave you feeling recharged and NOT sluggish like most comfort foods do, right? Quinoa, pronounced ”KEEN-WAH!” is SO good for you. WHY? Well, Quinoa packs a powerful nutritional punch and is just so versatile. It has protein and fiber to keep you satisfied, improves your overall health, and Quinoa contains ALL the amino acids as well. Remember, too, that it is actually a seed and not a grain. 
For this Moni dish…I of course add my beloved Heirloom tomatoes (when I can) or bell peppers but you could add any veggie- maybe mushrooms or spinach, anything you fancy really. I love the leeks here too and this is really a one-of-a-kind Moni Meal. The eggs are so special here as when it goes off into the oven, it all is held together like glue. Oooey-Gooey-delicious glue.
NOTE: If you feel you are after the really “cheesy”-mac n’ cheese vibe… you may want to add a bit more cheese than what I use. 
Anyway, I serve this with a side of some sort of steamed veggie or a salad and a slice of a good hearty bread.
Also, you can dollop this with all the toppings you desire; so many flavors go good with this dish.
TIP: YES you can make everything AHEAD and then put in the fridge – then when you are READY – just put it off to the oven to let all the work be done for you!
Check out all my Quinoa Recipes here but for similar meals to this…Check out my Nutmeg Mac N’ Cheese , my 4 Cheese Baked Penne, and Mac N’ Cheese For Grown-Ups. Enjoy~
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 med. leek white and pale green parts halved and sliced (1 cup)-OR chives are fine too
- 1/2 cup diced tomato, or red/green pepper
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained (OR you can just use pre-cooked and cut back on the water and cooking time)
- good pinch of salt
- a few grinds of seasoning salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups of water (or stock)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup soy milk, non-fat milk, or milk of choice
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling- NOTE: (You may find you need more cheese, BUT I use this amount to still keep the dish ‘lighter’ yet very flavorful.)
- Optional- Crushed Red Pepper, Panko Bread crumbs for topping
- Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions (you get the picture)
Directions
- Heat oil in med. saucepan over med. heat. Add leek and tomatoes (or bell peppers-or any veggies you want really); cover and cook 5 mins or until tender. Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3-4 mins, or until grains start to turn opaque. (They will not fully be cooked yet.)
- Add 3 cups water (or stock) and season with salt and the Seasoning Salt (I like Lawry’s or Everyday Seasoning). Cover and reduce heat to med-low and simmer 15-20 mins or more, (depends and also what kind of quinoa you use) or until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 mins.
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 13×9 inch dish with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese (if you feel you need more cheese, add here.) Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt. (Will seem a little “soupy,” do not worry, it will all mold together.)
- Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko crumbs or Bread crumbs, add now. You can also sprinkle a bit more cheese on now if you prefer for topping. NOTE: (The Cooking TIME VARIES!). Bake 25-45 mins, (or until browned around edges.)
- Now you can toss with many toppings, some ideas: salsa, scallions, sour cream, and hot sauce! I serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a salad and a nice slice of good hearty bread.
NOTE: Many readers wanted to know how many calories this AMAZING meal has. Divided into 6 servings: 339 Calories per serving.
I’ve tried several different recipes for quinoa mac ‘n cheese, and this one was by far the best. Thanks for sharing.
We made this tonight–super good for our first go at eating quinoa!
That is great Jenny! It is one of my favorite recipes that I have developed.
I was very happy with this dish, although I would note to use a stronger cheese. I used with mozzarella and the cheese taste just didn’t come through, despite upping the amount. A more “melty” cheese might help, as well…
This reheats very well, in the oven or microwave.
Good point Nicole. It is a very open recipe… so it can work anyway you please!
Just made this recipe tonight, soooo delicious!!!
I used sharp cheddar and then I only used 1c of quinoa and added 1c of cooked shredded cauliflower.
Also added a little dijon mustard and paprika.
Great recipe and will definitely be making again!
Great Caroline! Thanks for sharing.
Hi! I made this with 1 Cup of non-fat greek yogurt instead of milk and added feta on top. It turned out fantastically! Thanks.
Oh Wow Elena! That sounds like a GREAT varation and something I MUST TRY TOO! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Monica, if I were to cook the quinoa beforehand, would I just add the leeks afterwards?
Hi Kristina, yes that should work fine. I would try to cook the leeks a lil… so they are translucent but this recipe is SO EASY and great it is hard to mess it up. Let me know how it goes!
I just stumbled across your site for the first time, via Pinterest, and now I can’t leave! I’ll never ever leave! mwah hahahaha! Okay, just kidding, but seriously, a “healthy mac n’ cheese”…you know the way to a woman’s heart.
Delicious recipe! This is the first time I’ve ever made quinoa, and maybe the 2nd time I’ve eaten it. Next time (oh, yes! there will be a next time for this recipe at my house), I’m going to add more cheese, and maybe more milk, or less quinoa, as mine was a bit dry…but with shallots, asparagus, spinach, garlic, and good, aged Wisconsin cheddar, it tastes amazing!!
Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Thank you so much for the nice words! I am so happy you loved it! That is the truth too with this recipe…you can switch it up and add lots of variations!
Glad you have tried Quinoa!
Oh my gosh. This. Is. Amazing. My kids even love it and don’t care about the vegetables in it. We used baby bella mushrooms in it and it’s AMAZING.
Hi Jer! That is so great to hear. So glad you liked it and better yet…your kids!
So glad you liked it and your photos are STUNNING!
Your version looks great! Yum.
I am so glad you got to make my recipe.
Your version turned out great! Love the mix of cheeses…GOOD CALL! Have a great day. Love your blog too. 
Family Kitchen Blog, you made a great version and I loved how you are getting the message out there about how great Quinoa is!
Glad you liked this recipe. How could you knot, right?! 
Hi Kelsey!
“Gourmet Dinner” is right!
I am so glad you made my recipe and for a group of friends too, hope they all enjoyed it.
A perfect spring dish too! Glad you liked it Brittany.
I love the version you made Sally! Wow, cauliflower is such a good idea to add in. I am glad it did not disappoint and how could it with it still being a healthy version of a classic and so darn tasty right!
Yum! Your version turned out great! Glad you tried it and LIKED it… more importantly.
Your version looked great! Thanks for the link back and I am so glad you made it.
Love your blog too!
Hi Prep Crew! Thanks for the pingback and your version looked great! It is the best way to eat Quinoa, right!
AWESOME! I love that you made my recipe but I love the smile face even more!! Glad you liked it. Be well and Cheers!
Your vesion is awseome! Moni Quinoa Bites- I love it! Glad you liked them Meg.
What happens if you forgot to put the milk in when you baked it?? I forgot to put it in but i put the egg… so after it was fully cooked i added the milk and mixed it all up… going to cook it again for 5-10 minutes. will this work or is the recipe ruined?