Description
This Cheesy Quinoa & Black Bean Taco Skillet is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish combining protein-rich quinoa and black beans with vibrant bell peppers, spices, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal, it brings together classic taco flavors in a wholesome skillet recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Legumes
- 1 1/4 cups quinoa (dry)
- 2 cups water (for cooking the quinoa)
- 19 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 medium bell peppers (red and yellow, diced)
- 1 small jalapeno (seeded and diced)
- 3 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 oz. diced tomatoes (canned, fire-roasted with juices)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Dairy and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Tex-Mex blend)
- Cilantro leaves (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
- Chopped green onion (optional)
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers, jalapeno, and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with juices, drained black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Quinoa and Cheese: Lower heat to low and fold the cooked quinoa into the skillet mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly, or alternatively, place the skillet under a preheated broiler if oven-safe until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced avocado, chopped green onion, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for enhanced smoky flavor.
- Adjust the jalapeno amount depending on your spice tolerance or omit for a milder dish.
- Covering the skillet helps melt the cheese faster without broiling.
- Can be made vegan by substituting cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and omitting sour cream or using a non-dairy yogurt.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: quinoa black bean skillet, cheesy quinoa recipe, vegetarian taco skillet, easy weeknight dinner, meatless taco recipe
