An easy and healthy meatless quinoa dish made all in one pan with your favorite Mexican flavors.
I don’t know about you guys but once the weather starts warming up, I don’t really want to spend as much time in the kitchen since we would rather be outside or last week when we were busy prepping for my little man’s 4th birthday. That’s when our slow cooker comes to the rescue or if I haven’t had time to prep in the morning, one pan or skillet meals.
I am always trying to come up with ways to get my family to enjoy quinoa as much as I do and since they enjoyed this Quinoa, Sweet Potato and Corn Casserole I made in the slow cooker, I decided to make an updated version on the stove top.
This dish has everything you need for a meal all in one pan. It’s healthy and nutritious and is packed with lots of flavors with the fun Mexican twist.
My favorite part is how unbelievably easy this is to make. You just throw everything into the skillet and that’s it. Even the quinoa is cooked right in the pan, which allows all the flavors to soak in.
It’s also simple to customize with your favorite veggies and protein. I made this version with corn, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes and black beans. I kept this a meatless dish but you can totally brown some ground meat in the pan first if you want
My family enjoyed this version just as much as the one made in the slow cooker! It makes great leftovers too as a salad or a side and you can’t beat how much time you’ll save with having fewer dishes to wash. Or just grab a spoon and enjoy this dish straight from the pan!
And with Cinco de Mayo coming up, this would make an excellent healthy meal option too!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and diced
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes drained well
- 1 15-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
- 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 1-1/2 cups corn kernels frozen or canned
- 1-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 avocado halved, peeled and diced
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- 2 - 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add in jalapeno and zucchini and cook for another minute or two, continuing to stir.
- Add quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil then cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 20 minutes until quinoa is cooked through. Toss in avocado, lime juice, and cilantro and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Adapted from this Quinoa, Sweet Potato and Corn Casserole
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Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze -
This looks perfect for those busy nights where you just don’t have the time to cook. That’s my night every night, hehe. Love that it’s one skillet also. Hope your little man had a fun birthday and party. 😉
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel -
This looks like the perfect weeknight dinner! I love the Mexican flavors so much and the healthy twist of using quinoa!
Monica -
I am just thinking about making some quinoa this week! And I’m seeing Mexican food everywhere with cinco de mayo coming up. Plus, we got to try Rick Bayless’ food last week and it was amazing so I’m totally on board with the Mexican theme. Can’t believe you did all this in one pan! Great recipe!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom -
oh my gawd, Kelly .. that cake!!! Happy Birthday to Ethan!! WOW! that cake is amazing!!!! I love one skillet meals and love the Mexican flavors! looks so delicious!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice -
I’m all about Mexican dishes, Kelly! This quinoa skillet looks fantastic! I love the zesty flavors and how easy it comes together. Perfect for busy weeknights!