Description
Looking for a quick dinner that’s healthy, filling, and doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes? This One Pan Mexican Quinoa is a flavor-packed skillet meal loaded with quinoa, black beans, corn, peppers, and warm Mexican-style spices, all cooked together in one pan. It’s a cozy, protein-rich vegetarian option that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need fresh dinner ideas and an easy recipe that tastes like your favorite burrito bowl.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion diced
1 green bell pepper chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles undrained
1 can 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
1 lime juiced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1 medium avocado diced for serving
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitterness and set aside to drain well.
2. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the diced onion and chopped bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic and drained quinoa to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the quinoa smells lightly toasted.
4. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the vegetables and quinoa are evenly coated in the spices and let them cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, including all the juices. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove the lid and stir in the black beans and corn. Cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the beans and corn are heated through and the mixture is fluffy and slightly saucy.
8. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime if needed.
9. Serve the Mexican quinoa in bowls topped with diced avocado and any extra toppings you like, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid lifting the lid or stirring the quinoa while it simmers—letting it cook undisturbed helps it steam properly and prevents it from turning mushy.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 63
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 13
- Cholesterol: 0