Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with a mind-blowing culinary creation that combines the protein-packed goodness of quinoa, the comfort of pizza, and the irresistible charm of bite-sized cups! These Quinoa Meatball Pizza Cups are not just a recipe; they're a flavor explosion that will transform your meal time from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine crispy quinoa cups filled with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a hint of Italian seasoning - it's like a pizza party in your mouth that's both healthy and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing firmly into the bottom and up the sides to create cup-like shapes.
- Bake the quinoa cups for 10 minutes until they start to become golden and firm.
- Remove from oven and carefully spoon marinara sauce into each quinoa cup, filling about 2/3 full.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce in each cup.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Carefully remove each pizza cup using a small offset spatula.
- Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer or light meal.
Tips
- Quinoa Preparation: Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Moisture Control: Let the quinoa cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent a soggy mixture.
- Pressing Technique: Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to firmly press the quinoa mixture into the muffin tin, creating even, sturdy cups.
- Cheese Tip: For extra flavor, try using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the quinoa cups in advance and refrigerate before the final baking step.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and the cups are crispy.
- Variation Ideas: Experiment with different sauces like pesto or add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
