Description
Bold, colorful, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, this One Pan Mexican Quinoa is the ultimate easy dinner for busy nights. Made in just one skillet, it combines fluffy quinoa, black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, and warm spices into a hearty, protein-packed meal. It’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunch bowls, healthy dinner ideas, or anyone looking for a simple gluten-free recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. This easy recipe delivers comfort, nutrition, and vibrant food ideas all in one satisfying dish.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
1 can 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large avocado diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add rinsed quinoa, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to lightly toast the quinoa for 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Stir in black beans and corn.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
7. Top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime juice before serving.
Notes
Be sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. Skipping this step can leave a bitter taste due to its natural coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: one pan quinoa, mexican quinoa recipe, healthy dinner ideas, easy vegetarian recipe, gluten free dinner, quick meal prep