Need a secret for busy weeknight meals? It's quinoa. Quinoa cooks so quickly that once it's done, you can do just about anything you want with it – including tossing it in a casserole.

Quinoa is one of those grains that can really trip up people. This is mostly because although it looks and acts like a grain, quinoa is actually a seed, which makes it one of those nutritious proteins that is low in carbs but high in healthy things such as fiber. Plus, it's crazy delicious, especially when it's combined with other healthy ingredients such as artichokes and spinach.

Cheesy Caprese chicken and quinoa casserole
This a perfect Caprese chicken casserole. Make it just once, and you'll think so too. Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but there's something about thighs that allows them to be cooked longer without losing any of their juiciness. Of course, you can use dried basil too, but Caprese really calls for fresh basil, doesn't it? Get the recipe here.

Butternut squash quinoa casserole (h/t Trial and Eater)
Even if you're not a vegetarian, you can still enjoy this hearty yet healthy casserole. The butternut squash is the perfect complement for the quinoa in this casserole. This version tastes delicious while remaining gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Taco zucchini quinoa casserole
Here's the thing about this taco zucchini quinoa casserole: You can make it without any meat and it will still be packed with protein, thanks to quinoa. If you're a ravenous carnivore, stick to the recipe that follows and you'll be very, very happy. It takes browned ground beef and mixes it up with quinoa and zucchini for a meal that is actually super healthy. Get the recipe here.

Cheesy chicken broccoli and quinoa casserole
Are you on a healthy, low-carb, low-sugar diet but you're still craving comfort casseroles? It can seem like there's no hope –that you're never going to have a rich, delicious dish filled with creamy goodness again. But that's actually not the case. As this recipe shows, you can have all that goodness and all that cheesiness, without feeling any guilt at all.

Spinach and artichoke quinoa casserole
For this casserole, you could use a concentrated cream soup such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken. But you've come this far in preparing yourself a healthy meal, so why not just make a quick béchamel? Get the recipe here.

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