Mexican Quinoa: A Flavorful, Protein-Packed One-Pot Meal
Vibrant, colorful, and bursting with bold flavors, Mexican Quinoa is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. Imagine all the delicious goodness of your favorite Mexican dishes — smoky spices, hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime — all tossed together in one easy, nutrient-dense bowl. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your taste buds while fueling your body with wholesome ingredients.
Quinoa, often called a superfood, brings plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to the table. Combined with classic Mexican ingredients like corn, black beans, and bell peppers, it creates a dish that’s both hearty and nourishing. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply trying to eat more balanced meals, Mexican Quinoa checks every box: quick to make, full of flavor, and easy to customize.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a simple ingredient list for a one-pot Mexican Quinoa recipe that serves 4.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Quinoa (uncooked) | 1 cup | 222 |
| Black beans (cooked) | 1 cup | 227 |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup | 132 |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 medium | 37 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 small | 45 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14 oz) | 90 |
| Vegetable broth | 2 cups | 20 |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon | 8 |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon | 8 |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | 4 |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 1 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the Quinoa – Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds. This removes its natural coating (saponin) and prevents bitterness.
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Veggies and Spices – Stir in the diced bell pepper, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
- Combine Quinoa and Liquids – Add the rinsed quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and Cook – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish and Fluff – Turn off the heat, add lime juice, and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in chopped cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with extra cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy touch.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Protein: For a non-vegan version, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fried egg.
- Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder for a kick.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar or cotija cheese before serving.
- Add Texture: Toss in chopped spinach, kale, or roasted veggies for extra nutrition.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days — it reheats beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sliced avocado, fresh salsa, or a drizzle of lime crema for extra flavor.
- Use as a filling for burritos or tacos for a fun twist.
- Pair with a side of grilled vegetables or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
- For meal prep, divide into containers and enjoy it hot or cold throughout the week.
Mexican Quinoa: A Flavorful, Protein-Packed One-Pot Meal
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes290
kcalIngredients
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained & rinsed)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Rinse the Quinoa:
- Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to remove bitterness.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Veggies and Spices:
- Stir in bell pepper, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
- Add Quinoa and Liquids:
- Add quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine everything well.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until quinoa is fluffy and most liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat, stir in lime juice and cilantro, then fluff with a fork. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice and cilantro — they brighten the whole dish.
You can make it spicy or mild depending on your taste; just adjust the chili powder or add jalapeños.
FAQs
1. What is Mexican Quinoa made of?
Mexican Quinoa is a flavorful one-pot dish made with quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and classic Mexican spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. It’s usually finished with lime juice and cilantro for a zesty touch.
2. Is Mexican Quinoa healthy?
Yes! Mexican Quinoa is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It’s a balanced meal that’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan. Plus, it keeps you full and energized for hours.
3. Can I make Mexican Quinoa ahead of time?
Definitely. Mexican Quinoa is perfect for meal prep — it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.
4. Can I add meat to Mexican Quinoa?
Absolutely! While it’s naturally vegetarian, you can add grilled chicken, ground turkey, shrimp, or even steak strips to boost the protein content. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to any diet.
5. How do I make Mexican Quinoa spicy?
For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also top it with spicy salsa or chili flakes when serving.
Conclusion
Wholesome, flavorful, and beautifully simple, Mexican Quinoa is a dish that brings both nutrition and comfort to the table. It’s proof that healthy meals don’t have to be complicated — just real ingredients, bold flavors, and a touch of creativity. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something hearty yet healthy, this recipe hits all the right notes.
