One pot Mexican quinoa is loaded with quinoa, corn, red onion, spices, and more and it’s a great way to add protein and fiber to a meal. This is a dish the whole family can enjoy as a side or a meatless meal this week.

With all the flavors of your favorite taco dish, this fiesta quinoa makes a great make-ahead side and is great for leftovers the next day. It’s healthy, hearty, and packed with flavor in each spoonful.

Make sure to check out my cilantro lime rice, or stuffed fajita chicken peppers for more tasty Mexican-inspired dinner ideas. 

This One Pot Mexican Quinoa Recipe Is…

• Flavorful
• Easy quinoa dish
• Healthy
• Vegetarian 
• Family friendly 
• Made with fresh ingredients 

Ingredients Needed

Freshly diced veggies, taco seasonings and hearty grains make up this easy one pot meal. Top with your favorite protein or garnish and enjoy.

Here’s what you need:

• Quinoa: This is the base of the salad and provides protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Bell pepper: Adds crunch, texture, and color to the salad, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Corn: Delicious sweetness and texture are added to the salad, as well as fiber and vitamin C.
• Tomatoes: Adds juiciness, flavor, and color, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Red onion: For a little kick and added richness.
• Broth: Cooks the quinoa and adds flavor to the dish. Use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian dish. 
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the ingredients and helps to bring out their natural flavors.
• Granulated garlic: Adds flavor and aroma to the salad.
• Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the salad and helps to balance out the other flavors.
• Coriander: Subtle and citrusy.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• Olive oil: Provides healthy fats and helps to coat the ingredients and distribute the flavors.

Note: If you don’t have individual seasonings, you can also use a prepared taco or fajita seasoning mix.

How to Make it

Full directions on this recipe are featured at the end of this post in the printable recipe card. Below is a quick visual walk through.

First, heat oil in a large skillet and add the diced onion with bell pepper. Cook for around 5 minutes until they soften. 

Add the sweet corn, tomatoes, and quinoa to the pan and stir.

Pour in the broth, and seasonings.

Stir and cook covered for 20 minutes on low heat. 

Check the quinoa mixture after 15-20 minutes. If you find you are running out of liquid in the pan and the quinoa is still uncooked add more water or broth into the pan.

Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and serve your choice of meat and/or toppings. 

Topping Ideas 

Feel free to top your protein-packed quinoa anyway you would like in terms of flavor. 

Here are a few of my favorite toppings:

• Sour cream
• Fresh lime juice
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Sliced avocados
• Fresh cilantro
• Hot sauce

Recipe Variations

If you want to add even more flavor to this dish, try one of these optional additions!

• Stir in your favorite cheese or vegan cheese.
• Add diced sweet potatoes to the dish. 
• Instead of bell pepper use poblano pepper for added flavor or green chiles. 
• Add fully cooked ground turkey to create a heartier meal. 
• Use as a filling for burritos or vegetarian quesadillas

Tips for Success

Make sure that your dish doesn’t lose all the liquid by checking in periodically. Add a little extra broth if needed, until the quinoa is fully cooked. 

The dish is ready when the quinoa is soft and cooked all the way through. 

This is a great for busy weeknights or meal prepping. You can meal prep and place in single serve containers and keep in the fridge for later in the week. Then reheat as you wish. 

Use a large skillet to ensure you have enough room for the dish to expand as it cooks up. The hearty quinoa will soak up the broth and spices and swell a bit as it cooks. 

Storing Leftovers 

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You will love this reheated for an easy meal later on. Make sure it is stored in an airtight container. 

You can also freeze this one pan Mexican quinoa for 2-3 months. Use a proper freezer friendly container.

When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge the night before and reheat in the microwave or in a medium saucepan on the stove.

Note: If you heat on the stove add a splash of broth to ensure it doesn’t dry out as it reheats.

Common Questions

Print the Recipe

This one pan Mexican quinoa is a great meatless meal, weekday lunch, or side dish at a church potluck or cookout. I hope you love it!