Description
If you’re hunting for a vibrant, quick, and healthy dinner idea, this One Pan Mexican Quinoa will become your weeknight hero. It’s a protein-packed, one-skillet meal that combines fluffy quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and creamy avocado—all seasoned with bold Mexican spices. Ideal for easy dinners, meal prep, or healthy snacks, this dish checks every box: plant-based, gluten-free, minimal cleanup, and fully customizable. Whether you’re after a quick dinner recipe or need healthy food ideas for lunchboxes, this easy recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, diced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until translucent (2–3 minutes). Add jalapeño if using and cook for another minute.
2. Add diced bell pepper and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add rinsed quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with juice, and vegetable broth. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff gently with a fork.
6. Stir in diced avocado, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Notes
Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness.
Add avocado only after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
This dish is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one pan meal, healthy recipe, quinoa recipe, gluten-free, plant-based, Mexican quinoa