Meatsauce Quinoa Bake

Directions

• Quinoa
• In a large pot, put 2 cups of Quinoa and rinse and drain. Cover the Quinoa with water and add a Tbsp. or so of lemon juice. Let the Quinoa soak for at least 4 hours.
• At this point you could start to make the meat sauce while the Quinoa is soaking.
• After the Quinoa has soaked, drain the water and rinse again.
• Add 3 1/2 – 4 cups of water and cook the Quinoa on the stovetop over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it and DO NOT LET IT BURN! Let it come to a boil and boil for 5-10 minutes. After it has boiled, turn the heat down (or even off) and let it sit until all the water has been absorbed.
• Meatsauce
• Brown meat in a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Break up the meat with a fork, and drain the fat from it when it is cooked.
• Pour the 2 jars of pasta sauce into the pot. Add the 1 jar of water.
• Sprinkle the salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaves into the pot. Add the diced onions if desired.
• Stir in the spices and let the meatsauce come to a boil over medium heat. Let boil for at least 10 minutes.
• After the meatsauce has boiled, let it simmer over low heat for at least a half hour, but up to several hours. Just make sure you keep an eye on it so it does not burn.
• Quinoa Bake
• Spoon the Quinoa out into a large oven-safe casserole dish. Add the Meatsauce and mix together with a spoon.
• You can shred some cheese (or use soft cheese) on the top of the meat sauce if you like.
• Put the pan in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 10-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, crispy, or however you like it.
• Serve with a sprinkling of cayenne pepper (if you like spicy food!).