Just letting you know that this spicy, meatless deliciousness is sponsored by my friends over at Kitchen Fair!
This one pan Mexican quinoa has a spicy, cheesy taste – without the cheese! It’s a super easy, healthy and gluten free vegan-friendly weeknight meal that is under 300 calories!
Cheeeesyyyyyyyyy.
Except, like, WITHOUT DA CHEESE.
Do you feel like you’re in the middle of an episode of “The Twilight Zone?”
Then again, it is Monday. Perhaps you feel like this every day that starts with “M.” Just a guess.
EITHER WAY THOUGH. There’s a hugeeee pan filled with CREAMY, cheeeesy spicy Mexican Quinoa waiting for you to just dive your hungry little meat-less-Monday face RIGHT INTO IT. Which I highly suggest that you plan to do TONIGHT.
No messing around when there’s a one-pot-wonder that’s oozing with healthy, veggie goodness in the picture.
Speaking of one pots, let’s backtrack to pre-spicy-salsa-quinoa deliciousness and discuss the actual PAN that you’ll be scooping your dinner outta tonight. SRSLY, I’m LEGIT excited to tell you about it…and show it to you in ACTION in the video below:
Lemme introduce you to my newest best friend in the world of kitchen gadgetry: Kitchen Fair! These RIDICULOUSLSY awesome (made in America!) pans are made from HIGH quality, extra-thick cast aluminum and they heat up SUPER fast.
Like, I almost burned my peppers and onions kinda fast. Like, don’t-even-need-to-use-them-above-medium-heat-kinda fast. Ca-RAY-zay.
Plusplusplus they’re oven/dishwasher safe (FAVORITE) and that have a non-stick, patented AND non-toxic PFOA free BLACK GALAXY COATING.
Black. Galaxy. Coating. Like, how fun is that to say?
Soooo, yep. I <3 them. And you are going to <3 them too. So much so that you might even want to be a part of their social selling model (more on that at the end of the post!)
But, for now, back to the land of quinoa.
Our little friend Mr. Yummy Mexican Recipe here is verrrrry similar to the One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole and Quinoa Chickpea Avocado Salad with Black Beans that we munched together over a year ago. We could even compare it to the kale and quinoa skillet as well. You and I both know that there is only so long that a girl can go without a little chewy Mexican quinoa, spicy salsa and tender bites of protein-packed black beans and chickpeas in her life It’s time to bring THAT back.
Back again. quinoa’s back…you know the rest.
BUTBUTUT, there’s a TWIST. Something NEW! Something HIP! Something TRENDY!
Nutritional yeast. (!!!)
Have you got your cheese less-cheese loving mouths around this stuff yet? This quinoa is the primero Uno (attempting to get into Mexican character) time that I have used it. And there are going to be M-A-N-Y more times where this cheese-flavored seasoning will make its sneaky little self into a recipe.
As you may have guessed from the name, “nutritional yeast” is a seasoning that is well, REALLY nutritious. It’s even got PROTEIN.
Chickpeas + black beans + quinoa + nutritional yeast = ONE POT, PROTEIN POWER HOUSE DINNER.
You know how I feel about the letters P+R+O+T+E+I+N put together. Basically, it is my favorite word ever.
And I am 110% confident in saying that this Mexican quinoa is going to be your most favorite DINNER ever.
You know when you have a favorite song and you hit repeat over and over and over until you know ALL THE WORDS? Don’t lie. You’ve done it.
This is the EDIBLE version of that.
Except you don’t even have to use up your brain cells to remember the words.
Only. Eating. Required. <– WIN.
“Cheesy” Mexican Quinoa {Vegan + One Pan}
This one pan Mexican quinoa has a spicy, cheesy taste - without the cheese! It's a super easy, healthy and gluten free vegan-friendly weeknight meal that is under 300 calories!
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Olive oil
- 1 Cup Red pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 Cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Fresh garlic minced
- 1 1/3 Cup Reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 Cup Frozen corn kernels
- 2/3 Cup Salsa of choice
- 2/3 Cup Chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1/2 Cup Black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 Cup Nutritional yeast
- 1/2 Tbsp Ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Pepper
- 1 Cup Quinoa uncooked
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat the oil in a Kitchen Fair 12" Saute Pan on medium heat.
- Add in the pepper, onion and garlic and cook until lightly golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Into the pan, add the broth, frozen corn, salsa, chickpeas, black beans, nutritional yeast, cumin, salt and a pinch of pepper and stir well.
- Stir in the quinoa until all the grains are incorporated into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the pan and place it into the oven. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the liquid, about 40-45 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and DEVOUR.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
If you try this recipe I would love to see it and share it! Tag me on IG @foodfaithfit, using the hashtag #foodfaithfitTHIS POST IS SPONSORED BY MY FRIENDS AT KITCHEN FAIR. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO CONTINUE CREATING GREAT CONTENT FOR YOU BY SUPPORTING PARTNERSHIPS WITH SUPER-FAB BRANDS THAT FOOD FAITH FITNESS LOVES TO WORK WITH! AS ALWAYS, OPINIONS REMAIN 100% MY OWN!
Stay in touch with Kitchen Fair on social media for more delicious ideas! Facebook / Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram
If you want to learn more about joining Kitchen Fair’s social selling model, and becoming a Kitchen Fair Independent Distributor, click HERE
Weight Watchers Points Per Serving: SmartPoints: 7 Points+: 7. Old Points: 5
(Based on 6 servings)
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAG @FOODFAITHFIT AND #FOODFAITHFITNESS ON INSTAGRAM! I LOVE SEEING YOUR RECIPE RECREATIONS! 
Want more meatless quinoa recipes?
Slow Cooker Quinoa Energy Bars
Tropical Quinoa Homemade Protein Bars
Quinoa Casserole with Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
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Tori//Gringalicious says
April 25, 2016 at 1:17 amOkay, so you totally did it AGAIN! I’m simply jumping for joy and dying to dig into this. MUST. MAKE. NOW!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 6:05 amHaha thank you Tori! Hope you had a great weekend!
amanda -runtothefinish says
April 25, 2016 at 5:39 amDo you think D would notice the lack of actual cheese? Maybe I’ll leave that out of of the title for him and he won’t know! Looks amazing
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 6:05 amHaha perfect! 😉 Thanks lady!
Jenny Flake says
April 25, 2016 at 6:11 amWhat a great Mexican Quinoa! Bet my boys would love this!!!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 7:56 amThanks Jenny!
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
April 25, 2016 at 7:24 amLOVE the cheesiness of this recipe! Also I need those pans ASAP. Mine are headed for retirement. Also, why are you the cutest person ever?! Your pink top is adorable!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 7:55 amHaha thank you on all accounts! I love me some pink 😉
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
April 25, 2016 at 8:23 amI’m thinking this needs to get put on our Cinco de Mayo menu STAT – looks super delish!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 2:32 pmYES, that is a great idea! Thank you Trish!
Matt says
April 25, 2016 at 8:36 amYou’re killin’ me today, this looks so crazy good!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 2:31 pmThanks Matt!
Tieghan Gerard says
April 25, 2016 at 9:11 amYESSS!! Taylor, this looks amazing!!! Love me some cheesy Mexican quinoa! What a great healthy weeknight meal! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 2:31 pmThank you so much Tieghan!!
RFC says
April 25, 2016 at 11:37 amWe ALWAYS have nutritional yeast on hand! It’s so awesome, and a wonderful ingredient for us vegetarians/vegans!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 2:31 pmIsn’t it the best!! So cheesy and delish! Thank you!
gerry speirs says
April 25, 2016 at 11:51 amI must try this, our quinoa intake has shot up recently!!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 2:30 pmIt’s so good! I hope you love it – thanks Gerry!
Lindsay Cotter says
April 25, 2016 at 1:24 pmI’m lovin’ your Kitchen Fair pan! And this one-pot-wonder dinner? Most definitely ready to dig into that!!
Taylor Kiser says
April 25, 2016 at 2:30 pmThank you so much – the pan is awesome!
Keith @ How's it Lookin? says
April 25, 2016 at 3:09 pmLooks so good, and so flavorful, thanks for sharing
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:04 pmThank YOU Keith!
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
April 25, 2016 at 3:59 pmSee, these are the dishes I love to make at the start of the week and then work on them for days. So much easier than having to cook every night. And I love that it can be an entree or a side.
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:04 pmYES, they are SO good for that!! Thanks Brian!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
April 25, 2016 at 4:34 pmLoving that you added nutritional yeast to the Mexican Quinoa! I have a very similar recipe that I am not going to do the same thing to! Yummy! And that pan looks and sounds awesome. Checking out the line now!
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:04 pmThanks Jessica – it’s such a great addition and you would TOTALLY love the pans!
Kenzie says
April 25, 2016 at 7:14 pmWhere do I find the nutritional yeast? Thanks!
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:04 pmAny grocery store should have it! I get it at Fred Meyer in the “natural foods” area! I hope that helps!
Alisa Fleming says
April 25, 2016 at 7:43 pmI love the simplicity of this dish Taylor! It’s such a great, nourishing any-night kind of meal with ingredients I usually have on hand!
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:03 pmWoo hoo for on-hand ingredients! Thanks Alisa!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
April 25, 2016 at 8:36 pmWow – these sound like quite a set of pans! Great cookware is so awesome, yeah? This dish is so awesome, too! I have a jar of nutritional yeast in my cupboard (not far from the quinoa) that I need to use a bit more of! Thanks for the inspiration!
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:03 pmYES! Great cookware is the BEST! Thank you Patricia – you definitely need to get on the nutritional yeast train!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
April 26, 2016 at 10:02 amI’m alway slooking for new ways to use quinoa. Clearly I need to scour your recipes!! This looks delicious.
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:01 pmI have MANY quinoa recipes I just love the stuff! 😉 Thanks Christine!
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
April 26, 2016 at 2:59 pmMy husband and I were gushing over some Mexican rice recently at our favorite Mexican take out spot. I was saying that I need to make our own….. Now that I see a quinoa version. I think I’ll go that route instead!
Taylor Kiser says
April 26, 2016 at 3:00 pmI hope you love it even better! Thanks Carrie!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
April 26, 2016 at 8:25 pmOK, this dish looks AMAZING! I love me some quinoa and you’ve taken it to the next level with this recipe. And that pain…can you say Mother’s Day gift 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
April 27, 2016 at 6:34 amTOTAL mothers day gift! Thank you so much Sonali!
Holly Waterfall says
April 27, 2016 at 4:53 amCute video!! And this is totally a recipe I’ll be making soon!
I love me some nooch – isn’t that what the cool kids are calling nutritional yeast these days?? Maybe i need to stop while i’m ahead.
Taylor Kiser says
April 27, 2016 at 6:31 amHAHA yes that is what they call it! you would love this friend! Thank you!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
April 27, 2016 at 5:20 amThis looks like something I need to make over the weekend so I have quick, awesome tasty lunches during the week!
Taylor Kiser says
April 27, 2016 at 6:30 amThank you Brenda!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
April 28, 2016 at 11:40 pmThis pan looks super sturdy – love the bake-safe lid! Almost as much as I love this quinoa!
Taylor Kiser says
April 29, 2016 at 6:48 amYES! It is SO sturdy! Thanks Sarah!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
April 29, 2016 at 8:20 amOnly you could make quinoa look glamorous! I love the color and the light in these shots <3
Taylor Kiser says
April 29, 2016 at 2:58 pmThank you so much Sue! xo
Kate says
May 1, 2016 at 10:02 amI’m loving this!! Nutritional yeast is my new go-to ingredient. I’m going to try it for dinner tonight!
Taylor Kiser says
May 1, 2016 at 1:01 pmIsn’t it so good?!! I hope you love it Kate!
Alida says
May 1, 2016 at 7:43 pmWhat a delicious quinoa dish and that pan looks awesome!!
Taylor Kiser says
May 2, 2016 at 6:26 amIt really is awesome! Thanks Alida!
Cassie says
May 7, 2016 at 6:11 pmQuinoa sounds so tasty with black beans! I absolutely love this idea to Mexicanize my favorite grain!
Taylor Kiser says
May 8, 2016 at 2:21 pmThank you Cassie, I am all about the quinoa too!
GK says
March 9, 2017 at 4:10 pmHi, Do we need to use the Nutritional yeast? Can I substitute it with something else?
Taylor Kiser says
March 11, 2017 at 7:31 amIf you want it to have a cheesy taste, then yes you do and it can’t be subbed. Sorry!
Zoe says
September 21, 2017 at 11:17 amJust made this for dinner, it was delicious and my hubby couldn’t believe that there wasn’t any cheese in it! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Taylor Kiser says
September 21, 2017 at 2:49 pmWOO HOO! So pumped to hear this! Thanks for letting me know!
Kara Mathys @Wellnessgrit says
March 15, 2019 at 4:33 amI’m ashamed to say that I’ve never had cheesy mexican quinoa! This recipe looks great though so hopefully that will change! Thanks for posting it, Taylor!
Taylor Kiser says
March 15, 2019 at 6:26 amHope you love it!