One Pan Mexican Quinoa Recipe
This One Pan Mexican Quinoa is a vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and easy meal. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh avocado, it combines classic Mexican spices with wholesome ingredients for a delightful vegetarian dinner that comes together in just one skillet.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned or roasted)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Heat the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and jalapeno, cooking while stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. This step infuses the oil with bold flavors that form the base of the dish.
- Add quinoa and liquids: Stir in the quinoa along with vegetable broth, black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, corn kernels, chili powder, and cumin. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing everything together evenly.
- Simmer the quinoa: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently until the quinoa is fully cooked and fluffy, about 20 minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb the flavorful broth and spices.
- Add fresh toppings: Once cooked, gently stir in the diced avocado, freshly squeezed lime juice, and chopped cilantro leaves to add creaminess, brightness, and freshness to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the One Pan Mexican Quinoa immediately while warm for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- For extra heat, add more jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a nuttier quinoa, toast it in the skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding the liquid.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add shredded cheese or sour cream as toppings for extra richness.
Keywords: Mexican quinoa, one pan quinoa, vegetarian quinoa recipe, quick Mexican dinner, healthy quinoa dish, black beans and quinoa, avocado quinoa bowl