Slow Cooker Garlic Mushroom Quinoa Recipe

Are you looking for a new vegetarian slow cooker meal? This delicious, creamy Crockpot Quinoa with Mushrooms is it! It's rich and creamy, and the quinoa and white beans pack over 20 grams of protein.  

The secret ingredient to create a creamy, almost risotto-like slow cooker quinoa dish is reduced-fat cream cheese. It adds a rich, indulgent texture without the heaviness, and when paired with earthy roasted mushrooms, bright green onions, and salty Parmesan—yum!

Plus, you can easily toss in extra veggies like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or red bell pepper for even more flavor.

To make this dish, just toss quinoa, white beans, garlic, and broth into the slow cooker. In a few hours, you'll have creamy, flavor-packed goodness. It’s also one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. And if your family isn’t into mushrooms? Just swap in your favorite roasted veggies. 

Looking for more ways to cook with quinoa? Try this Slow Cooker Mexican Quinoa, Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl, or Asian Quinoa Stir Fry.

What's in Slow Cooker Garlic Mushroom Quinoa?

This is just a brief list of what's in this recipe! For the full list of recipe ingredients, check out the recipe card:

• Quinoa: This protein-packed grain gives the dish a hearty base with a slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy, risotto-like texture.
• Mixed Mushrooms: Roasting the mushrooms enhances their earthy, umami flavor and adds a meaty texture. Feel free to swap in other roasted veggies. 
• Cream Cheese: Reduced-fat cream gives you a velvety texture while still keeping things light! You could also use Greek yogurt, but it will have more tang or use diary-free cream cheese for a vegan option. 
• Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a salty, nutty kick that takes the dish to the next level. Freshly grated Parmesan is worth the effort. It melts more evenly. Swap in nutritonal yeast for a vegan option. 

What mushrooms work best for this recipe?

A mix of mushrooms adds the best depth of flavor. Cremini mushrooms give a hearty, earthy flavor; shiitake mushrooms add a meaty texture; and oyster mushrooms bring a more delicate, slightly sweet note. Don't be afraid to mix and match based on what's available.

How to Make Mushroom Quinoa in the Slow Cooker

Here's a basic understanding of how to make this recipe:

1. Prep the Quinoa and Beans

Add the quinoa, white beans, vegetable broth, minced garlic, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed.

Pro Tip: If you want a richer, nuttier flavor, toast the quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. 

2. Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and let everything simmer until the quinoa is tender and the beans have absorbed the flavors.

3. Roast the Mushrooms

While the quinoa cooks, spread the mushrooms on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Roast the mushrooms with some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. 

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Spreading the mushrooms in a single layer helps them roast instead of steam.

4. Make It Creamy

Stir the cream cheese and Parmesan into the cooked quinoa until it’s smooth and creamy. Add warm broth a little at a time until you get that risotto-like texture.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a silkier texture.

5. Finish and Serve

Stir in the fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Top each serving with the roasted mushrooms and some extra Parmesan if you like.

Do I have to roast the mushrooms?

If you’re short on time, skip roasting the mushrooms separately and add them directly to the slow cooker. While you’ll miss out on some caramelization, the mushrooms will still infuse the quinoa with earthy goodness.

How do I make this recipe ahead of time?

Chop the mushrooms and herbs and measure out your ingredients the night before. Roast the mushrooms and simply reheat when it's time to serve in a hot skillet.

In the morning, just toss everything into the slow cooker, and you're ready to go. This is easy, stress-free meal prep at its finest!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mushroom Quinoa

Before deciding what to serve with this yummy quinoa, you need to decide if you are serving it as a main dish or a side. Here are some ideas for each:

• Vegetarian: Make a vegetarian main dish like this Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu, Slow Cooker Italian White Beans, or Slow Cooker Vegetarian Barbecue Stuffed Peppers.
• Protein: For a main course with meat, consider making this easy Italian Salmon, Pesto Chicken, or Broiled Flank Steak!
• Veggies: If mushroom quinoa is your main dish, I would love to serve it with extra veggies on the side. Try these Roasted Tomatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and Green Beans.

Recipe Ideas

This is one of those recipes that's easy to customize and make your own.

• Broth: Change up the flavor slightly by using chicken or beef broth in place of the vegetable broth.
• Mushrooms: Reach for a different type of mushroom or add a variety of mushrooms.
• Greens: Chop up some kale to add greens to the dish, or stir in some fresh spinach right before serving.
• Tomatoes: Add some extra flavor with a can of drained diced tomatoes. Add them once the quinoa has finished cooking. This recipe is also delicious with some sundried tomatoes. 
• Toppings: Top the entire dish with fresh basil or parsley. Swap out the Parmesan for creamy goat cheese or punchy feta cheese.
• Veggies: Add extra veggies when roasting the mushrooms. Favorites include chopped onions, asparagus, zucchini, or green beans. Frozen peas can also be added to the slow cooker. 
• Spices: Play around with the herbs and spices to change up the flavor. You can make this with almost any spices or herbs you love.