Sausage and Kale Quinoa is a one-pot meal that’s hearty, wholesome, and ticks all the boxes for a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant greens, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Here are a few more EASY dinner ideas for your family – One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Divan, and Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
Wait! Don’t go! I know some of you are thinking, “Kale and quinoa? No thanks. I don’t want to eat it and I know my kids won’t want to eat it.”
But, you have to trust me here. This recipe is actually SO good!
My college roommate sent me this recipe and said it was her favorite thing she’s made in a while, so I was definitely intrigued, but the ingredient list made me skeptical, too!
But, trusting Carolyn, I went to the store and bought all the ingredients because she promised that my kids would eat it by the spoonful.
And she was right.
The sausage will win over the husband, and if you are not sold yet to the kale camp, this recipe will get you there.
Why We Love It:
- Easy Cleanup: With just one pot needed to make this meal, cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to relax after dinner.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the sausage and quinoa, as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals from the kale, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite sausage or add additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
How To Make Sausage & Kale Quinoa
Ingredients –
- 2 cups quinoa
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound sweet turkey sausage, uncooked not in patties
- 3/4 pound smoked kielbasa, cut into 1 inch slices and then cut in half again: This helps trick the kids that there is more sausage than anything else.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and diced
- 1-1/2 cup Craisins
- 3-4 cups baby kale
Instructions:
- Rinse the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa for 30 seconds or so in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat cook the sweet sausage and onion unit the onion is translucent.
- Add Aromatics: Add the cloves of garlic and stir until you can smell the garlic, about one minute.
- Add the Kielbasa: Add the kielbasa and stir and let it cook together for a minute.
- Add Quinoa: Add the quinoa and chicken stock. Stir a few times and wait for the pot to simmer.
- Simmer: Cover the pot, turn to medium-low and simmer until the liquid is mostly adsorbed, about 30 minutes.
- Add th Crasins and Kale: Add the Crasins and kale, stir a few times and let it cook for three more minutes. Serve warm.
- Serve: Season hot and ENJOY!
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, our Sausage and Kale Quinoa One-Pot Meal is sure to become a family favorite. Simple, delicious, and nourishing — it’s everything we love about wholesome cooking. Enjoy!
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
Sausage and Kale Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound sweet turkey sausage, uncooked, not in patties
- 3/4 pound smoked kielbasa, cut into 1 inch slices and then cut in half again
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and diced
- 1-1/2 cup Craisins
- 3-4 cups baby kale
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa for 30 seconds or so in a colander and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat cook the sweet sausage and onion unit the onion is translucent.
- Add the cloves of garlic and stir until you can smell the garlic, about one minute.
- Add the kielbasa and stir and let it cook together for a minute.
- Add the quinoa and chicken stock. Stir a few times and wait for the pot to simmer.
- Cover the pot, turn to medium-low and simmer until the liquid is mostly adsorbed, about 30 minutes.
- Add the Crasins and kale, stir a few times and let it cook for three more minutes. Serve warm.