Easy One-Pot Quinoa and Bean Skillet Meal

Name: Easy One-Pot Quinoa and Bean Skillet Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; 15 oz can pinto beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cups quinoa (cooked and chilled ); 1 yellow squash (diced); 1 cup Brussels sprouts (halved); 1 avocado ( halved and sliced); 1/2 red bell pepper (diced); 2 green onions (diced); 1/2 cup corn (frozen); 1/2 lime (cut in wedges); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 red onion (diced)

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This Bean and Quinoa Skillet Meal is an easy, quick and nutritious one-pot meal. Made with beans, quinoa, and lots of veggies, it's packed with fiber and plenty of plant-based protein and comes together in just 15 short minutes. It's the perfect main dish for any meal of the day, making a great savory breakfast, handy lunch, or ideal weeknight meal!

overhead view of a skillet with an Easy Quinoa and Pinto Bean Skillet Meal with fresh tomatoes, frozen corn, brussels sprouts, and fresh limes.

Skillet meals are the best way to prepare veggies.

They retain their integrity with this two step, quick cook process. In this method we begin with a quick sauté and finish by adding water and covering. This way we get the taste benefits of caramelizing the outside of the veggies and the texture of the quick steam.

It's quick, easy, and works like a charm!

I also use this technique in Creole Spiced Skillet Meal, Healthy Savory Breakfast Bowl and Turmeric Cauliflower Vegan Bowl.

Why you’ll love this Vegan Quinoa and Pinto Bean Skillet Meal

Packed with plants and beans for lots of essential vitamins and minerals
High in plant protein and fiber to help energize you for hours
Takes just 15 minutes to make!
Delicious Tex Mex flavors the whole family loves
Works great as a main course for any meal of the day
Loaded with fresh vegetables
Affordable, budget-friendly vegan meal

Helpful Tip

For best results, you need to use cooked and cooled quinoa. To avoid sticking, quinoa must be cooled before going into a stir-fry or skillet.

I like to make a big batch once a week to have leftover quinoa on hand, or you can use a package of frozen or prepackaged cooked quinoa. Alternatively, cook quinoa fresh and toss it into the skillet meal at the end instead.

Bean Quinoa Skillet Ingredients

We're not using anything too wild here. You'll basically need some pantry staples, like canned beans, dry quinoa, and seasonings, plus some standard fresh and frozen veggies.

Extra virgin olive oil - To saute all the veggies and bring out so much flavor.
Pinto beans - These have a nice, mild flavor that works well here and they add extra protein in addition to the quinoa. Black beans or garbanzo beans are great alternatives.
Cooked quinoa - Make sure it is cooked and chilled first, similar to making fried rice with leftover rice. Use any color quinoa you prefer like red or white quinoa.
Veggies - We're really going to load up on veggies here. I used yellow squash, Brussels sprouts, red bell pepper, and frozen sweet corn, but really any fresh veggies will work!
Avocado
Green onions
Fresh lime juice - To add a bright flavor throughout the dish. Fresh lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Seasonings - The flavors of this dish are fresh and mild. Since this is such a quick recipe, I used garlic powder which is milder but for bolder flavor use fresh. Smoked paprika lends a smoky edge and don't forget to add a pinch of salt. Feel free to spice it up with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce!
Diced red onion - For an optional garnish

Not confident with your quinoa skills? Learn my pro tips for cooking quinoa perfectly every time.

How to Make Vegan Bean Quinoa Skillet

One of my favorite things about this tasty dish is how quickly it comes together. It takes just barely 15 minutes, so it's the perfect choice for those nights when dinner can't come soon enough.

Heat non-stick skillet over medium heat with oil. Add Brussels, squash, red onion and bell pepper, season with salt, smoked paprika and garlic powder and cook for 7 minutes stirring occasionally.
Add pinto beans, corn, quinoa and ¼ cup water, do not stir and cover the pan and cook for 3 minutes.
Open cover, stir and then cook for an additional 2 minutes to assure that all is hot and veggies are fork tender.
Garnish with green onion, avocado and a squeeze of lime.

Storing Suggestions

This is a classic meal prep option. You can easily make a double batch then store the leftovers in an airtight container or your favorite meal prep containers. Reheat by microwaving for several minutes, then add fresh garnishes, if needed.

Tips for Making the Best Bean & Quinoa Skillet Meal

Play around with garnishes. There are lots of options for toppings here, like all your taco favorites. Add fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, vegan feta cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and more.
Make a salad. For a salad, serve the veggies, beans, and avocado over a bed of fresh greens.
Adjust the veggies. This is one of those recipes that can be adjusted throughout the year with whichever veggies you have on hand. Instead of Brussels sprouts, try broccoli or cauliflower. Instead of squash, use sweet potatoes or butternut squash.

FAQs

Do quinoa and beans go well together?

Absolutely! Although many people like to serve quinoa instead of beans, I prefer to put them together whenever possible. Quinoa does contain all 9 essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein. It's also high in fiber, so it will fill you up. But, beans offer their own benefits and the double dose of fiber and protein can really keep you going all day. I also like to serve them together in this Black Bean and Quinoa Soup, or during the warmer months, this Southwest black bean quinoa salad recipe.

Can you use different grains?

Technically, you don't have to use quinoa if you don't want to. This recipe is basically a stir-fry, and you can replace the quinoa with brown rice, white rice, or other whole grains. Just make sure that whichever grain you use is completely cooked and chilled first.

Other Delicious Quinoa Recipes

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