Quinoa Chili Bake

I am trying to lose weight and start a healthier lifestyle, but honestly don't like health food; I like comfort foods. So, the goal here was to develop a comfort food using quinoa and a few simple ingredients for a quick dinner that has more nutrients than the average mac-n-cheese. I'm happy with my results on this one. It may not be the creme de la creme of yummy health foods, but it is easy. And when I say easy, I mean it. As a career woman with a hungry husband, I need to keep things as basic and quick as possible, while catering to a picky husband-kid. Cut with spatula and serve in squares. Enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 555 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• cooking spray
• 1 (6.5 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) package quinoa elbow pasta
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili with beans (such as Dennison's®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add past and olive oil and cook at a boil, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 6 to 9 minutes; drain.

Step 3

Return pasta to the pot; add chili and tomato sauce and stir. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish; top with layers of mozzarella cheese and Cheddar cheese, respectively.

Step 4

Cook in preheated oven until cheese is completely melted, about 15 minutes.