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Cheesy Mexican Quinoa

December 13, 2012 by Lindsay 69 Comments

This Cheesy Mexican Quinoa recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Make it vegetarian or add some leftover chicken and customize with your favorite vegetables!

This Cheesy Mexican Quinoa recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Make it vegetarian or add some leftover chicken and customize with your favorite vegetables!

**Photo and recipe updated 8/2016**

Hi Friends!

I have a quick recipe to share with you guys today. I wasn’t planning to blog about it. It was just something I threw together the other night for dinner…but as soon as I posted it on Instagram and saw how many of you wanted the recipe,  I wrote down the ingredients I used so I could share it with you!

This Cheesy Mexican Quinoa recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Make it vegetarian or add some leftover chicken and customize with your favorite vegetables!

This dish is, surprise surprise, Mexican inspired. Have you noticed we eat a lot of Mexican around here? Several times a week….but neither of us seem to get tired of it so it works for us.

So here’s what was in it:

Print

Cheesy Mexican Quinoa

Cheesy Mexican Quinoa
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 review

This Cheesy Mexican Quinoa recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Make it vegetarian or add some leftover chicken and customize with your favorite vegetables!

  • Author: Author: Lindsay L
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅔ cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 1 ⅓ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color is fine)
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups cooked black beans
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 ½ cup chicken, cooked (optional)
  • ⅔ cup corn kernals
  • 6 oz shredded Colby Jack or Mexican cheese
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Avocado & salsa for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine quinoa and broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 13-15 minutes.
  2. In a large saute pan, heat oil and saute peppers, onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
  3. Add beans, spices, chicken and corn and saute another 5 minutes.
  4. Add cooked quinoa, milk and cheese and stir until well combined.
  5. Serve warm and top with avocado and salsa if desired.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

You can easily make this a vegetarian dinner but I love tossing in some leftover chicken. It’s a great way to transform chicken from my food prep into a completely new dish!

This Cheesy Mexican Quinoa recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. Make it vegetarian or add some leftover chicken and customize with your favorite vegetables!

[Tweet “Try this Cheesy Mexican Quinoa from @leangrnbeanblog for a quick, protein-packed dinner.”]

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Dinner

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miz says

    December 13, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    I adore you because your photos still be fancy 🙂
    xo

    Reply
  2. Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says

    December 13, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    Mmmmm, cheese + quinoa has gotta be good.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:21 PM

      i know, right?! can’t go wrong there!

      Reply
  3. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    December 13, 2012 at 6:12 AM

    I love Mexican food so I’m loving all your Mexican inspired dishes! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:21 PM

      i’m glad…because i seem to be on a kick!

      Reply
  4. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    December 13, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    Yay!! Another quinoa recipe for me!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:21 PM

      you know it! add it to the rotation!

      Reply
  5. Danica @ It's Progression says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    this looks fantastic! the instructions are similar to the ones for the lentil veggie mac n cheese, which I made again this past weekend too and my husband loves it!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:21 PM

      yep! super similar 🙂 so glad you guys are liking the mac and cheese 🙂

      Reply
  6. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:09 AM

    A healthy Mexican mac n’ cheese! I love it 🙂 Definitely trying this out soon!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:20 PM

      yes!! enjoy, my friend 🙂

      Reply
  7. Angela @ Health's Angel says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:12 AM

    This looks great! I’ve had a can of black beans in my pantry for AGES and I keep forgetting about them. May just have to use them to make this!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:19 PM

      use them up girl!!! bean power 🙂

      Reply
  8. Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    We eat a lot of Mexican themed dinners too! This would be a big hit in our house.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:19 PM

      let me know if you try it out!!

      Reply
  9. Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    I am always so impressed with your quick, easy, and delicious dinners, Lindsay! This one looks like another winner 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:19 PM

      thanks friend!!! quick and easy could be my middle name….or not…that might be awkward!

      Reply
  10. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    December 13, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    As usual your a culinary skills are unreal! This sounds delicious and easy to make. I read a lot of blogs Linds, but actually make more recipes from your site than any other; it’s food my family and I enjoy and eat time and time again. xo

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:18 PM

      thank you so much Lisa…that means a lot 🙂 xoxo

      Reply
  11. Caity @ Moi Contre La Vie says

    December 13, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    This looks delicious! I’m always in the market for tasty new comfort food recipes and this one looks like it just might get to the top of the list – Quick, easy & yummy – Three of my favorite things! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:18 PM

      yay! mine too! let me know if you try it out!

      Reply
  12. Angie @ Losing It and Loving It says

    December 13, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Oh my! Sounds and looks delicious. I love your recipes because they are easy for someone like me who doesn’t cook. Can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:18 PM

      thank you!! i like to keep things simple around here 🙂

      Reply
  13. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    December 13, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    I could eat Mexican food everyday for the rest of my life. This looks fabulous!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:18 PM

      uh, me too 🙂 easily.

      Reply
  14. purelymichelle says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    love cheezy quinoa dishes!

    Reply
  15. Molly @ Just Your Average Athlete says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    I love how quick & easy your recipes are! Perfect for when I get cooking-lazy (which is often).

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      thank you!!! i’m quite lazy myself 🙂

      Reply
  16. Lisa says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    I need more Mexican foods in my life, this looks super simple and delicious! My kind of meals!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      yes you do, my friend!!! so easy and delish!

      Reply
  17. Alexis @ Hummusapien says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    This looks so delish! Almost like mac and cheese but with quinoa!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      exactly!! more protein…for the win!

      Reply
  18. Kris | iheartwellness.com says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Thanks for the recipe girl, this looks amazing! I haven’t had quinoa in awhile and I kinda miss it!!

    xxoo

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:17 PM

      woohoo!!! get it back in the rotation! quinoa for the win!

      Reply
  19. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says

    December 13, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    Sounds delicious! I do love me some quinoa.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:16 PM

      isn’t it great! i’ve been putting it in EVERYTHING lately!

      Reply
  20. [email protected] says

    December 13, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    yummmm pinned!

    Reply
  21. Brooke @ Running In Heels says

    December 13, 2012 at 2:37 PM

    That looks SO good! I am going to have to try this for dinner within the next couple of days! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:15 PM

      wheeeeeee!!!! enjoy it girl 🙂

      Reply
  22. Janice - Fitness Cheerleader says

    December 13, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    Yum yum yum!! I’m totally making this for the potluck I’m going to on Wednesday. Admittedly, when I saw the picture of this in your WIAW post I was hoping that you’s share the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:15 PM

      hope it turned out well!!

      Reply
  23. Alysia @ Slim Sanity says

    December 13, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    heck yea! Mexican anyday and everyday! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:15 PM

      exactly, girl! always

      Reply
  24. Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife says

    December 13, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    This looks amazing! and I love the idea of using chips – my husband is obsessed with all things mexican so I will definitely have to make this soon. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:15 PM

      you’re welcome! enjoy! ps…i use chips to scoop up pretty much everything!

      Reply
  25. Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says

    December 13, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    looks delicious!!

    Reply
  26. Michele @ Nycrunningmama says

    December 13, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    AGHH! This is already bookmarked! My hubby is 1/2 Mexican and I feel terrible that I don’t make more mexican food!! Definitely going to try this!! It looks SO yummy! =) xoxo

    Reply
  27. Pavement Runner says

    December 13, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    All these fancy quinoa recipes mean I should try this stuff…. never had ti before. (gasp)

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:14 PM

      you should def try! but put it in something…don’t just try it by itself. gag!

      Reply
  28. Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says

    December 13, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    Mexican inspired + cheese = Winner in my book!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:14 PM

      hehe mine too 🙂 can’t go wrong with that combo!

      Reply
  29. Karla @ myhighonlife says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    Oh yes please! This looks fantastic 😀

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 18, 2012 at 10:12 PM

      thank you so much 🙂

      Reply
  30. Brad says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    This looks awesome! Thanks Lindsay

    Reply
  31. Kim F says

    December 22, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    Yum, yum, yum! My husband and I just had this for lunch. I used 2 cans of black beans, no corn, and for the cheese…pepper jack. Awesome with chips (baked Tostito scoops) just like you said. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 28, 2012 at 10:12 AM

      yay!!! so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  32. Aggie says

    January 23, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    Ok, I’m totally drooling over this. You make the best good!! I had to forward to my quinoa/Mexican food loving friend. Can’t wait to make!

    Reply
  33. Kristi says

    February 15, 2014 at 6:54 PM

    Family favorite! We have it at least twice a month (not including leftovers). Fresh, lite, tasty and easy to make!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 16, 2014 at 2:12 PM

      yay! love hearing that!

      Reply
  34. Pam says

    August 31, 2014 at 5:36 PM

    Love this & so do my family. We add leftover homemade salsa instead of the tomato and I add hot sauce to mine for extra kick. So good!!! Thanks.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      August 31, 2014 at 8:50 PM

      so glad to hear it!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Elf for Health Week Three & Giveaway Winner says:
    December 17, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    […] for dinner tonight. Add extra veggies and go easy on the cheese and sauce. Again, Lindsay’s Cheesy Mexican Quinoa sounds like it might be the ticket! I don’t have a lot of casserole recipes […]

    Reply
  2. Elf4Health Challenge Recap « Fitful Focus says:
    January 8, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    […] left: The beginning of this cheesy Mexican quinoa for the make a healthy casserole […]

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  3. how to meal plan for a month | Fit Mama Real Food says:
    March 28, 2013 at 11:36 AM

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  5. Winter CSA Pick Up #3 | Fitness Bites says:
    December 11, 2013 at 7:30 AM

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  6. Simple Summer Dinners | Kristin McGee says:
    June 23, 2015 at 4:12 AM

    […] Cheesy Mexican Quinoa: This one you do need to use the oven, but I love it because it’s easy to make – you essentially throw a bunch of ingredients together and pop it in. You can make a lot and have leftovers for a few days. I even like it cold for lunch or over a bed of greens. […]

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  7. Meal Plan Monday – August 19th 2013 | Not A Coupon Queen says:
    March 28, 2017 at 11:59 AM

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I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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