easy recipe

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Side Dish

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 2 Comments
Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a bowl with spoon. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

This Cilantro Lime Quinoa Side Dish is fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice.  Just 25 minutes to cook the Quinoa, 3 ingredients, and this is yours too!

Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a bowl with spoon with lime and cilantro on counter. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Quinoa is truly a superfood!

Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, is actually an edible seed that is referred to as a Superfood because of its health benefits.  It’s high in complete protein including 8 amino acids and it has more fiber than most other grains.  It also has Iron, Manganese, Lysine, and magnesium.

The texture is similar to a couscous, but a little more fluffy.  It has a mild, slightly nutty taste, similar to brown rice.  However, because it’s so mild, it really absorbs any flavors you mix with it.  

Try these other easy and delicious Quinoa Recipes!

Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a bowl with spoon with lime and cilantro on counter. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

PREP-AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR CILANTRO LIME QUINOA SIDE DISH

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details) 

Well my friends, not much to this one, so make the entire thing ahead!  Woo hoo!

To start, rinse the quinoa in a strainer under water.  Then cook it according to package instructions.

Rinsing Quinoa in strainer for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Boiling water with Quinoa for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Cooked Quinoa for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

While the Quinoa is cooking, you can zest the Lime and chop the cilantro.Zesting lime for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Chopped cilantro on cutting board for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

When the Quinoa is done, fluff it up with a fork. Then add the Lime Zest, a teaspoon of lime juice, the cilantro, and olive oil. Mix to combine and then taste for seasoning. Add salt as needed. Top with just about any veggie or protein and enjoy!

Chopped cilantro and lime zest on quinoa in pot for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a pot. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

ENJOY!

😍 Carrie

Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a bowl with spoon with lime and cilantro on counter. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

Cilantro Lime Quinoa in a bowl with spoon with lime and cilantro on counter. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood
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Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Cilantro Lime Quinoa is fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword gluten free, healthy recipes, quinoa
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Uncooked Quinoa
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Lime Juice
  • 1 Lime, Zested
  • 3 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly in a strainer and then cooking it according to package directions making sure to add a tsp of salt to the water. 

    Cooked Quinoa for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

  2. While the Quinoa is cooking, you can zest the Lime and chop the cilantro.

    Zesting lime for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

  3. When the Quinoa is done, fluff it up with a fork.  Then add the Lime Zest, a teaspoon of lime juice, the cilantro, and olive oil.  Mix to combine and then taste for seasoning.  Add salt as needed.  Top with just about any veggie or protein and enjoy!

    Chopped cilantro and lime zest on quinoa in pot for Cilantro Lime Quinoa. It's fluffy, nutty, citrusy, salty, and the perfect accompaniment for any protein or vegetable!  With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this fantastic healthier alternative to rice. #quinoa #quinoarecipes #sides #healthyfood

5-Ingredient Mexican Meatloaf with Chipotle Peppers

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 2 Comments
5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf sliced on white plate. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

5-Ingredient Mexican Meatloaf with Chipotle Peppers is a variation on my classic 5-Ingredient Easy Meatloaf, which is my most popular recipe!  This version adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It’s incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A true family favorite and so great for Kickstarting Meal Planning as the ingredients can always be on hand.  

This recipe is great because celebrates my journey back to meatloaf!  While I grew up with Meatloaf in the midwest, I lost my way when I moved to NYC in my 20’s, thinking it was no longer cool to make meatloaf.  But I am so happy to say that I found my way back and here I am making not only meatloaf, but making variations on meatloaf and publishing for others!  What I have learned?  Comfort food is comforting!  And you can never go wrong with an easy and delicious meatloaf.  So, why not have variations of a good thing, you ask?  Well, I said the same thing!

5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf bite on fork and sliced on white plate. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

PREP-AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR MEXICAN MEATLOAF COOKING KIT

Line a 9-inch loaf pan with foil to make it easy to remove the meatloaf and for easy clean up.

In a mini food processor, add 1/4 cup ketchup and the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Blend until smooth.  Then add the egg and pulse until blended/combined.

Chipotle peppers in adobo and ketchup in food processor for Chipotle Meatloaf. Cheddar Cheese gives depth and more flavor.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

Chipotle peppers in adobo, ketchup, and egg in food processor for Chipotle Meatloaf. Cheddar Cheese gives depth and more flavor.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

Chipotle peppers in adobo and ketchup blended in food processor for Chipotle Meatloaf. Cheddar Cheese gives depth and more flavor.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

To a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ketchup/chipotle mixture, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese.  Mix to combine. Note: it will seem a bit wet, but that is just right.

Blended chipotle peppers in adobo, ketchup, and egg in bowl with ground beef, salt, and pepper for Chipotle Meatloaf. Cheddar Cheese gives depth and more flavor.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

All ingredients in bowl with cheddar cheese and ground beef for Chipotle Meatloaf.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf mixed in bowl next to foil lined pan. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

Transfer the mexican meatloaf mix to the loaf pan lined with foil. Form it into a loaf shape. Then top with the remaining 1/3 cup ketchup.

COOK YOUR MEXICAN MEATLOAF

Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees.  Bake for 45 minutes uncovered.

When you take it out, let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the juices soak back into the meat.

ENJOY!

😍 Carrie

5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf sliced on white plate. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf sliced on white plate. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef
5 from 1 vote
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5-Ingredient Mexican Meatloaf with Chipotle Peppers

This 5-Ingredient Mexican Meatloaf adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword Beef, chipotle, meatloaf, mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Meat Raised without antibiotics preferred
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup to mix with meatloaf
  • 1/3 cup Ketchup For Top of Meatloaf
  • 2 Chipotle Peppers Adobo Sauce Note, this will add medium heat. Reduce to 1 for mild and up to 3 for hot!
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F degrees.  Line a loaf pan with foil to make it easy to remove the meatloaf and for easy clean up.

  2. In a mini food processor, add 1/4 cup ketchup and the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.  Blend until smooth.

    Chipotle peppers in adobo and ketchup in food processor for Chipotle Meatloaf. Cheddar Cheese gives depth and more flavor.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

  3. Next, add the egg to the mini processor and pulse until blended/combined.

    Chipotle peppers in adobo, ketchup, and egg in food processor for Chipotle Meatloaf. Cheddar Cheese gives depth and more flavor.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

  4. To a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ketchup/chipotle mixture, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese.

    All ingredients in bowl with cheddar cheese and ground beef for Chipotle Meatloaf.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

  5. Mix to combine.  Note: it will seem a bit wet, but that is just right.

    5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf mixed in bowl next to foil lined pan. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

  6. Transfer the meatloaf mix to the loaf pan lined with foil.  Form it into a loaf shape.  Then top with the remaining 1/3 cup ketchup. 

  7. Bake for 45 minutes uncovered.  That's it!  When you take it out, let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the juices soak back into the meat.

  8. Slice, serve, Enjoy!

    5-Ingredient Chipotle Meatloaf sliced on white plate. This recipe adds a spicy mexican flare with Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce and Cheddar Cheese.  It's incredibly easy, incredibly moist, and incredibly delicious!  A family dinner favorite! #meatloaf #mexican #easydinner #familydinner #dinner #easyrecipes #beef

Recipe Notes

For the chipotle peppers, these will definitely add heat!  So, be sure to regulate to what you think your family can take.  If you are a mixed family with kids wanting mild and adults wanting medium heat, then reduce down to 1 chipotle pepper or even just 1 tbls of the adobo sauce and eliminate the peppers.  Then simply make some extra ketchup topping for part of the meatloaf where you add some additional chipotle peppers.