Dinner

One Pot Mexican Lentils Recipe

Name: One Pot Mexican Lentils Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder); 1 cup (165g) diced sweet potatoes (1/2 inch pieces); 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup (195g) brown lentils, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes; 1 cup frozen corn; 2 cups broth of choice (vegetable or chicken broth recommended); Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)

ByRafael Mansero December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

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Introduction

This One Pot Mexican Lentils recipe is a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with hearty vegetables, spices, and protein-rich lentils, it brings a comforting taste of Mexican cuisine to your table with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced (can use 2 tsp garlic powder)
1 cup (165g) diced sweet potatoes (1/2 inch pieces)
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup (195g) brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
2 cups broth of choice
Cheddar cheese (amount to your liking)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 2: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and tomato paste. If using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, add it now. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
Step 3: Add rinsed lentils, black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Step 4: Sprinkle your desired amount of cheddar cheese on top. Cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different texture.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the lentils.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful mix of stew-like ingredients sits on a white marbled surface with a grey and white striped cloth beside it. The dish has a base of brown lentils, black beans, yellow corn, and orange sweet potato cubes, all mixed in with diced red tomatoes and melted light yellow cheese on top. A silver spoon with an ornate handle rests inside the bowl on the right side. In the top right corner, there is a white bowl holding a few folded light beige tortillas. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use red or green lentils instead of brown lentils?

Yes, but note that red and green lentils cook faster and can become mushy, so reduce the simmering time accordingly and keep an eye on the texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just ensure the broth you choose is gluten-free and use gluten-free tomato paste if needed. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.