Recipes

roasted beet and goat cheese quinoa

So yeah…..I’ve kinda been thinking I should start a blog about quinoa. I mean, I cook enough of it, right?

But then I remembered my love affair with chocolate cupcakes…and cake balls…and homemade oreos….and the idea went to hell. Oh well.

But I really am sorta obsessed with quinoa these days. It’s filling and quick, which makes it perfect for my lunch on busy days in the kitchen.

My old favorite quinoa recipe is the black bean, citrus and quinoa salad I made last week…but then I tasted this one and was blown away.

Globs of melty goat cheese? Perfectly roasted beets? Chewy, filling quinoa? The perfect lunch. Duh.

I got inspired to make this after my last experience with this recipe. I love it, but it’s kinda time consuming and involves more ingredients than I feel like getting out just to make a quick lunch for one. This recipe, on the other hand, only requires four ingredients and 30 minutes.

And….you wanna know a secret? You can totally make this meal even quicker one by using Trader Joe’s chilled baby beets. Just take slice ’em and toss ’em in! Done.

It reminded me of macaroni and cheese in weird way. Maybe because I used way more goat cheese than necessary. But you can never have too much, right? Goat cheese is like water. Pure, cold water.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Quinoa

serves 1 for lunch!

Inspired by this recipe

Print this recipe!

Ingredients:

1 large beet, scrubbed clean and chopped into bite-sized pieces (no need to peel if you scrub)

1/4 cup quinoa

3/4 cup water or vegetable stock

2 heaping tablespoons goat cheese

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Scatter the chopped beet on foil topped pan that has been sprayed with oil. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.

While the beets are roasting, rinse your quinoa with water and then combine with veggie stock and bring to a boil on the stove. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer and cook 12 minutes.

When the quinoa is done, add the goat cheese and stir until melty and creamy. Add the beets and serve!

Time:

30 minutes

 

 

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  • Molly @ RDexposed
    June 17, 2011 at 4:46 am

    I have had beets only 1 time in my entire life. I need to welcome them into my life with this recipe.

    Do you think Schrutte Beet Farm distributes to the midwest?

  • mary (sisters running the kitchen)
    June 17, 2011 at 4:48 am

    i’ll be honest, i’m not the biggest fan of beets. I have tried them again and again…hoping to like them, but I just can’t. I do love goat cheese and quinoa though!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    June 17, 2011 at 5:00 am

    i can’t really get behind the beets thing…don’t love ’em for some reason…but i can DEFINITELY get behind the quinoa and goat cheese!

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    June 17, 2011 at 5:02 am

    WOW! so simple but looks fantastic….I am excited to try…I am reallyreally bored of my quinoa ideas πŸ™‚ yeah for BEETS too haha

  • Baking 'n' Books
    June 17, 2011 at 5:08 am

    I put Goat Cheese on anything.

    When you say you have “busy days in the kitchen” – what is that your doing? Do you bake/make/cook meals everyday for your blog? Do you freeze it or plan in advance what you want for dinner?! πŸ˜‰

    • Baking 'n' Books
      June 17, 2011 at 10:28 am

      Also – what’s a good sub for the beets? Squash maybe?…I can do butternut squash for sure πŸ™‚

      • jenna
        June 17, 2011 at 10:32 am

        butternut squash would be good..

  • Lauren at Keep It Sweet
    June 17, 2011 at 5:09 am

    Anything that has goat cheese in it is a win!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    June 17, 2011 at 5:10 am

    That looks really good – it’s alike a grown up version of mac n cheese!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    June 17, 2011 at 5:11 am

    I don’t really like beets on their own, but I can’t get enough of quinoa (sounds like you know the feeling!) so I’d totally be willing to throw them in this recipe!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    June 17, 2011 at 5:20 am

    Jenna I have a post that is going to be published in two hours…it’s roasted beets!

    I was just at the farmers market over the weekend and the beets were just to die for beautiful. People who say they dont like beets in my experience have only had canned ones or some scary ones that are so far from what real beet is…that of course it’s going to be a very blah experience. I want to hit publish on my post right now…but am waiting a couple hours because still editing it πŸ™‚

    Love your recipe!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    June 17, 2011 at 5:22 am

    I made a dish like this once and I loved it! I totally agree that there is no such thing as too much goat cheese. πŸ˜‰

  • Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
    June 17, 2011 at 5:31 am

    Anything with goat cheese wins in my book — oh, and quinoa and beets are pretty amazing, too.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg
    June 17, 2011 at 5:53 am

    Beets + Goat Cheese = Awesome. To me the quinoa would just be filler πŸ™‚

  • Monika
    June 17, 2011 at 5:56 am

    Jenna you’re a genius. ’nuff said!

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    June 17, 2011 at 6:00 am

    Pretty obsessed with quinoa myself..but uh…beets? Yea. They still terrify me. Maybe I’ll add chocolate chips instead and see what happens…

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    June 17, 2011 at 6:00 am

    I like the sounds of this recipe! But I have to admit that cooking with beets intimidates me πŸ˜‰ Is Trader Joe’s Beets available in Canada?

  • Hilliary
    June 17, 2011 at 6:00 am

    I am going to have to make this sometime. I love beets with goat cheese, one of the best combinations!

  • kate
    June 17, 2011 at 6:07 am

    this looks delish I love roasted beets!!

  • Kristin Murdock
    June 17, 2011 at 6:08 am

    Like many have already said, I am such a goat cheese lover but simply can’t convince my taste buds to love beets! It’s one of those things I really WANT to love but I just try and try and try and it never works. Maybe I’ll make an asparagus and goat cheese quinoa. πŸ™‚

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
    June 17, 2011 at 6:13 am

    Goats cheese is perfect! And if this quinoa dish tastes like mac n’ cheese, I’m not complaining one bit. Though I think I’ll swap the beets with something else, since they freak me out! Maybe some peas?

    • Khushboo
      June 17, 2011 at 6:53 am

      Roasted squash or pumpkin taste fab with goat cheese!

  • Cara
    June 17, 2011 at 6:16 am

    I can’t wait to try this!!! It looks great! Those are three things I haven’t had in awhile but want to reintroduce to my diet!

  • d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo
    June 17, 2011 at 6:17 am

    There is nothing better than beet and goat cheese salad – this sounds like such a wonderful and healthy twist to make it a little more hearty! I just introduced my boyfriend to beets for the first time ever – we picked up some lettuce, goat cheese, and beets from the local farmers market. I think he’s a convert! I’ll have to try this quinoa out on him.

  • Carissa
    June 17, 2011 at 6:18 am

    I just bought a huge bag of quinoa at Costco. Can’t wait to try this! I might be like you with gardening and pull my beets out before they’re ready so that I can make this! πŸ™‚

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out
    June 17, 2011 at 6:18 am

    I looks amazing, too bad I don’t like beets. Maybe some other vegetable? And you’re right on about goat cheese!

  • Mary Catherine
    June 17, 2011 at 6:18 am

    Better than your Black Bean, Citrus & Quinoa Salad? That stuff is like crack to me. I crave it after a hot and sweaty workout. I’ve made it twice and have had it every night for dinner for the past two weeks. Maybe it’s time I try a new quinoa recipe! I do love me some goat cheese…

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    June 17, 2011 at 6:23 am

    TJ’s beets + TJ’s goat cheese does equal love! two of my favorite things.

  • Lauren
    June 17, 2011 at 6:25 am

    These are 3 of my favorite things in life. Consider this made. Thanks, Jenna! I honestly don’t know what I would cook without your recipes. BTW, I made the Black Bean, Citrus & Quinoa Salad for my boyfriend this week and he swears it was the best meal he has ever had. No joke.

  • melissa (fitnessnyc)
    June 17, 2011 at 6:28 am

    Why is it only breakfast? drool

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged
    June 17, 2011 at 6:40 am

    Oh Jenna, I know I drool over all of your meals, but this one especially has my name written all over it! It looks PHAH.NOH.MEH.NAL.

  • Jenny
    June 17, 2011 at 6:45 am

    Have you ever experimented with millet? I’m curious about possibly switching over – or amaranth? Recipe looks delicious!

  • Khushboo
    June 17, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I died and went to heaven with the risotto so you know I will be making this! Goat cheese is orgasmic!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches
    June 17, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I love your one serving recipes! As a single lady, sometimes I just don’t want to have to deal with leftovers for days on end, so Your recipes are PERFECT for those days when I don’t feel like making my usual one-serving staple of eggs + toast (although I will never knock my beloved eggs…they are the shiz). Your beet quinoa sounds delicious and healthy…love, love, love it!

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking
    June 17, 2011 at 6:53 am

    I haven’t had a roasted beet in forever! I wonder when they are in season in Michigan and if I will get any in my CSA… this quinoa dish looks fantastic!

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing
    June 17, 2011 at 6:57 am

    Perfect timing Jenna! I made your black bean, citrus and quinoa salad last Sunday and have been taking it for lunch all week. It’s been so easy to grab and go, I was thinking of doing a different quinoa salad for this upcoming week. I think we have a winner!

  • Amy
    June 17, 2011 at 7:01 am

    I made something like this with Israeli couscous and it was divine… I also added some toasted almonds for a little crunch!

  • kristina@beancakes
    June 17, 2011 at 7:01 am

    i love beets, the idea of putting them in quinoa is genius! will have to try!
    happy friday πŸ˜‰
    xoxo ~ kristina

  • Khushboo @ Two Megapixel Food
    June 17, 2011 at 7:03 am

    I haven’t EVER bought beets cos I just don’t know what to do with them. This definitely helps! Although I will need to replace goats cheese with something that is commonly available. sigh.

  • Carey @ Positively Blonde
    June 17, 2011 at 7:07 am

    This recipe looks great and so easy! Definitely keeping this on the list for when I get home late from work and don’t have many items in the fridge!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows)
    June 17, 2011 at 7:19 am

    That is such an interesting combo of ingredients and flavours! I’ll have to try this with some of Gena’s homemade vegan ‘goat cheese’ recipe. I bet it would be great!

  • Meghan @ StruggleMuffins
    June 17, 2011 at 7:19 am

    I’ve totally never been a beet person but the picture just looks so damn yummy, I’m going to have to try it. Twist my arm, why don’tcha!

  • mary (what's cookin with mary)
    June 17, 2011 at 7:38 am

    I am in love with all things quinoa… all things beet… and certainly all things goat cheese (have you tried goat feta?!)! Just posted a pasta salad (my brother’s recipe to be exact) with one of the three of those things πŸ˜‰ Come check it out!

    Been really loving beets juiced also. Note to self: don’t wear white when going to get a veggie juice with beets !

  • Jen
    June 17, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Beets + goat cheese = never a failure. And I love cooking quinoa in broth. This is my kind of lunch. Easy and delish.

  • Stephanie
    June 17, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Holy yum! I love beets, I love goat cheese, I love quinoa. Thank you for putting them all into one delicious, simple recipe. I might have to leave work right this minute and go make this!

  • Maria
    June 17, 2011 at 7:56 am

    Great quinoa recipe!

  • Rachel
    June 17, 2011 at 8:06 am

    Mmm.. I love the combo of goat cheese and beets; they make a great salad at Whole Food’s that I often get with the combo.

    I’ve never tried it with quinoa before, but that’s a great idea. I’m trying to play with quinoa a bit more in the kitchen. I went through a phase where I literally ate it ALL THE TIME, but I think it’s about time I bring it back!

    Thanks for sharing.

  • Sarah
    June 17, 2011 at 8:19 am

    goat cheese+quinoa.. looks amazing. I’m not sure how I feel about the beats though. I just can’t get into them no matter what recipe I try.

  • Urban Wife
    June 17, 2011 at 8:25 am

    Beets aren’t exactly my choice veggie but I guess if there’s enough cheese to smother the taste, then I might go for it! πŸ™‚

  • Jen of My Tiny Oven
    June 17, 2011 at 8:33 am

    I love everything about this dish… I kinda want to marry this dish! You rock!

  • Ruth
    June 17, 2011 at 8:36 am

    This looks likevanother recipe to add to the salad-boredom-busting stash! Thanks!

  • Alejandra @ mouthfulsandmorsels.wordpress.com
    June 17, 2011 at 8:43 am

    I love beets! But currently I’m obsessed with golden beets, they’re not as sweet and they’re flavor is much more subtle.

  • Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
    June 17, 2011 at 9:13 am

    There are so many beet recipes in blog land today, This looks amazing!

  • Lauren
    June 17, 2011 at 9:21 am

    I just want to say I really love your blog. I have had great success with your recipes and your pictures are always beautiful. Your blog is one of the few that I read that is committed to creating great recipes for your readers and I appreciate that. Keep the recipes coming!

    Lauren

    • jenna
      June 17, 2011 at 10:32 am

      thank you! πŸ™‚

  • French Heart
    June 17, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Sounds good…I need more quinoa in my life.

  • Rachelr
    June 17, 2011 at 9:37 am

    WOW!! can you actually see into my fridge?? i was debating what to have for a working lunch tomorrow, yet I always have quinoa, i have some cooked beets in the fridge and a brand new tub of creamed goats cheese in the fridge!! Your the best!!! Thanks xxx

  • Jen G.
    June 17, 2011 at 9:55 am

    What cheese would substitute best for the goat cheese? I’m obviously in the minority here, but I can’t stand the stuff. It’s the only cheese I have an aversion to, and no matter how many times I try it, I can’t like it!

    • jenna
      June 17, 2011 at 10:32 am

      feta?

  • Lauren
    June 17, 2011 at 10:07 am

    My god, this sounds amazing. I just restocked on quinoa, and I cannot wait to make this recipe. Anything with goat cheese makes me abnormally happy!

  • Beth (Well I'll Be)
    June 17, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I love beets and goat cheese together, but you added another one of my favorites quinoa! I can’t wait to try this!

  • Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com)
    June 17, 2011 at 10:57 am

    MUST make quinoa again soon!! I LOVE quinoa pasta, but I honestly have only made a few dishes w/ ‘regular’ quinoa! This one looks yummy though!!

  • Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
    June 17, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Mmm…this would be perfect for me since I have a minor obsession with beets & goat cheese. I’ve made a salad like this before recently but with bulgar.

  • Katrina
    June 17, 2011 at 11:21 am

    I love how simple this is. So tasty and delish!

  • Katy
    June 17, 2011 at 11:37 am

    This picture just looks like oatmeal with cheese on it to me and totally grossed me out! haha I’m sure it tastes better than it looks though πŸ™‚

  • Moni'sMeals
    June 17, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Yum! I think this can be my lunch today and I have golden beets, Awesome Jenna!
    goat cheese and beets=mi gusta!

  • Alison @ Hospitality Haven
    June 17, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    This might just need to be made ASAP…

  • Courtney
    June 17, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Looks yummy!

    I don’t think I have seen this on your blog yet, but if you have an obsession with quinoa might you try some quinoa granola? It’s pretty delicious; I keep some in my freezer and use it for topping yogurt, oats, and on pb&j!

    • Baking 'n' Books
      June 18, 2011 at 6:34 am

      Oh I would love to see a granola with it! I love granola but buy the Nature’s Path all the time.

      Also Jenna – I really like these recipes just for 1-2 servings. Mind doing more of those in the future? I know people like to do stuff for leftovers, but living alone and with little time sometimes I just like to prepare a dish and not clean up or store away stuff for later (plus, no freezer/fridge space!).

      Thanks.

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble
    June 17, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I was unsure about beets for a long time. There was something just weird and foreign and grandma like about them too me. But a couple of years ago my sister had a salad with beets and I tried it. And it was good!! And I’ve enjoyed beets (and beet greens!) ever since!! And trader joes precooked beets are pretty awesome!

  • Link Love « Bess Wess
    June 17, 2011 at 1:32 pm

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  • Katie P
    June 17, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    Mmmmmm… I am can’t wait to make this. Maybe I’ll add some pistachios for crunch and maybe a bit of citrus for some tang. YUM! Thanks for another stellar recipe!

  • Jennifer
    June 17, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I will totally make this. I had to link to your recipe! It looks delicious!

  • Sana
    June 17, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    Interesting! I have only ever eaten a beet macaroon!!!

  • Gina (Yogattude)
    June 17, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I love this recipe! (and I love that blue dish!)

  • kaila @ healthy helper!
    June 17, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I have been obsessed with beets lately too! So summery and flavorful!

  • Sarah
    June 17, 2011 at 3:14 pm

    I live in Japan and I stopped by a health food store and asked for some quinoa (and I even pronounced it right!). The clerk looked at me quizzically and asked “Do you speak English?”

    “Yes, and it’s still quinoa.”

    I did find it in stock but the clerk had never heard of it. I tried to translate “ancient grain” but I think it perplexed her more. At least I found it and had a great quinoa veggie salad!

  • Susie
    June 17, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    I’ve been meaning to try out quinoa forever now, I really have to get on it! I only recently discovered my love for beets in the last year after going to a chain in NYC called Junior’s. They always serves beets and pickles as a side/extra for whatever reason. Delicious, though. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

  • Kayla @ SproutyBuns
    June 17, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    I am speechless. Two of my all-time favorite foods, quinoa and roasted beets, combined with my new found love, goat cheese … I think I shed a tear πŸ™‚

  • Katie
    June 17, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Is this better than your beet risotto? Cause I made that a few weeks ago and I am still dreaming about it!

  • katie @KatieDid
    June 17, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    nearly perfect meal in my eyes. Filling, light and fresh, tangy and sweet. I’m on a major goat cheese kick right now, I cannot seem to get enough of it on anything and everything.

  • Koko
    June 17, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    This looks SO easy and delicious, I am definitely tying this for lunch next week.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
    June 17, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    I just bought 2 x 4lb. bags of organic quinoa @ Costco today – yay, I’m addicted!

  • Justeen @ Blissful Baking
    June 17, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    Mmm I love roasted beets! This sounds like my ideal lunch!

  • Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
    June 17, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    You totally won me over with the mac and cheese comment, not that a meal of quinoa + goat cheese needs any incentive to be cooked in my kitchen. So good.

  • Hayley
    June 17, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    I LOVE beets — nature’s candy! And I will eat goat cheese on anything. It’s the quinoa that’s throwing me off. I get a little grossed out by the little tails on them, and the whole rinsing thing is aggravating…they get all caught in my colander. What am I doing wrong?

    • Jaime
      June 17, 2011 at 9:35 pm

      I buy the Bobs Red Mill Organic brand which has already been rinsed and air dried! You can get it at your regular old grocery store! πŸ™‚

  • Jaime
    June 17, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Oh.Em. Gee. I need this in my face immediately!

  • jenna k
    June 18, 2011 at 12:21 am

    i’ve been wanting to try beets AND quinoa soon, so this is perfect!! i was so tempted to get a couple beets at my farmer’s market last week, but i’ll definitely have to get them this week!

  • Cat @Breakfast to Bed
    June 18, 2011 at 5:19 am

    I bet those would be really good made into quinoa cakes and dipped in some sort of vinaigrette!!

  • Katie
    June 18, 2011 at 6:43 am

    This looks heavenly! I just stumbled upon you on Twitter and your blog and love your personality and recipes and look forward to following you. This recipe is a must try this week. Thanks for sharing, because there is nothing better than goat cheese in everything. HA! πŸ™‚

  • Dianna @ The Kitchen prep
    June 18, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    I’ve become semi-obsessed with quinoa as well. It’s healthy and actually fills up my bottomless pit of a husband… what’s not to love! πŸ˜‰ In fact, I just posted a tasty quinoa side dish/appetizer/girl meal a few days ago: http://bit.ly/j8hIM2. Thanks for another yummy way to try quinoa!

  • Elizabeth Edith
    June 19, 2011 at 12:32 am

    just made this for girl’s night πŸ™‚ I added a little salt and it was amazing!

  • Katie @ cookiesandkimchi
    June 19, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    I remembered to pick up beets at the market today and am so glad I did! Can’t wait to make this recipe for lunch sometime this week. Yum.

  • Pam
    June 20, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    What a great pairing of simple ingredients – love it!!

  • ashleigh
    June 21, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Yum- eating this right now. Next time I am eating it over arugula than it’s 4 of my favorite things πŸ™‚

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  • Julia
    June 23, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    I honestly thought I hated beets but these pictures are so pretty and I’m trying to incorporate a wider variety of foods in my diet so I figured I’d give this a try. Plus I love quinoa and goat cheese, so it wouldn’t be a total loss. Turns out, I loved this dish!!! I added a little balsamic vinegar to the beets after they roasted and was very happy with the result. Thanks for expanding my horizons!

  • Tracie
    July 1, 2011 at 7:28 am

    I made this last night and it was fantastic! This was the first time I’ve ever roasted beets and definitely won’t be the last. I *heart* quinoa and goat cheese, and now I can add roasted beets to that list! Thank you!!

  • Dora
    July 9, 2011 at 8:55 am

    Last night I had beets for the very first time, and oh my head what a revelation. (‘They taste like earth!!’ but with lots more verbal exclamation points.) Just made your recipe for impromptu quasi-brunch (does it count as brunch if you had breakfast half an hour prior, but noon is less than ten minutes away?), and I think I want to eat this for the rest of my life.

    I hope the beets can forgive me for having ignored them for so very long.

  • Old Favorites, New Favorites « Left Coast Contessa
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  • Lindsey
    January 21, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    I tried this today and it’s fantastic! So simple, filling and delicious. Thanks for sharing..I’m always looking for new quinoa recipes.

  • Betsy
    February 8, 2012 at 9:26 am

    This is fabulous! First time ever cooking with beats. They balance out the tangy sharpness of the goat cheese really well. I use quinoa a lot so thank you for another great recipe!

  • Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Quinoa
    February 29, 2012 at 7:38 pm

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  • David
    July 31, 2012 at 11:44 pm

    I love that bowl

  • kylabee
    April 8, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    This sound delish and I have beets at home. I was looking for something different to do with them.

    Thanks for sharing.