quinoa recipes

12 Easy Quinoa Recipes for Dinner

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
12 Easy Quinoa Recipes for Dinner with 6 food images

There are so many delicious ways to use quinoa.  With lots of fiber and protein, plus other nutrients, it’s a healthier substitute for rice.   It’s also such a neutral flavor that it can be used in sweet or savory recipes.  Here we have 12 amazing and easy quinoa recipes that you can make for dinner for you and your family.

MORE ABOUT QUINOA

Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, is cooked and consumed much like other grains in recipes.  But it’s health benefits are far superior to most other grains.  In fact, the Incas referred to it as the “mother of all grains” thousands of years back and believed it to be sacred. 

However, Quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain, though the texture is similar to a grain.  It has a mild, slightly nutty taste.  Because the flavor is so mild, it really absorbs any flavors you mix with it.  It’s a great side or accompaniment to top with sauces or stews.  It’s also great when used to bulk up other foods, such as stuffings, as you will see in the Stuffed Tomato recipe below.  It can replace pasta or rice in most recipes.

But the greatest things about Quinoa are the fantastic health benefits.  1 cup of cooked quinoa has 8g of complete protein and 5g of fiber.  There are very few plant-based foods that provide complete proteins with all essential amino acids.  You typically need to find this in animal proteins, but Quinoa delivers this!  It also has Iron, Manganese, Lysine, and magnesium!  Combining quinoa with veggies, such as Asparagus here gives you a complete balanced meal with vitamins, fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

So, without further ado, here are…

12 DELICIOUS & EASY QUINOA RECIPES FOR FAMILY DINNERS:

1.  Ground Beef Taco Quinoa Bowl

Taco Quinoa Bowl with Ground Beef, corn, cotija cheese, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and cilantro lime crema drizzled on top. Bowl of crema, bowl of cotija cheese, tomatoes and cilantro on the table.

First up on the list are Ground Beef Taco Quinoa Bowls.  These are so darn tasty, versatile, and easy to make so they are perfect for busy weeknights! Everything can me prepped and cooked ahead, so you only need to reheat and enjoy. The base of these bowls is the Quinoa, which is lightly seasoned and is a perfect fluffy backdrop. It’s topped with saucy ground beef that’s loaded with savory and smoky Mexican flavors from the chili powder, cumin, garlic, and scallions. Corn that is slightly seared brings a pop of sweetness. The Cotija cheese brings tang and creaminess and the tomato a burst of freshness. The avocado adds rich creaminess and the cool cilantro lime crema brings that final bright finishing touch.  If you are at all worried about your family accepting quinoa, this is a great way to try it!

 2. Quick Asparagus & Tomato Quinoa Risotto

Asparagus and Tomato Quinoa Risotto with parmesan on top on a plate with fork.

When it comes to easy quinoa recipes, you probably don’t think ‘risotto’, but now you will!  This Asparagus and Tomato Quinoa Risotto is quickie-version that’s such a hearty, delicious, and healthy dinner. It’s yet another way to incorporate that fantastic superfood, Quinoa, into your dinner rotation! The Quinoa beautifully absorbs and plumps up with all of the flavor from the broth, onions, garlic, tomato paste and oregano. Then cut asparagus is mixed in along with nutty and creamy parmesan cheese for a perfect finish.  You don’t need a meat to go with this, but you certainly can add a simple grilled chicken, steak, or fish to it to complete the meal.

3.  Quinoa and Black Bean Burritos

Quinoa Black Bean Burritos cut in half and standing face up on plate. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

Quinoa and Black Bean Burritos are a scrumptious eat-with-your-hands family, dinner! They are packed with protein and fiber, but also ooey-gooey cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream! The ‘meat’ in this recipe is a flavorful taco-seasoned quinoa, black bean, and cauliflower filling. I mean, could it get any healthier!? But yet, it looks like a traditional burrito and I’m telling you, it tastes like on too.  These burritos are also such an easy Meal Prep idea because you can prep them entirely ahead and wrap them individually in foil to store in the fridge. Then toss them into the oven to warm through.  They make a great snack after school, a quick lunch or dinner, or even a breakfast if you add some scrambled eggs inside.

4.  Quinoa and Kale Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Creamy Lemon Dressing

Close up of bowl of Quinoa & Kale Salad with Roasted Chickpeas, Pomegranate, Feta, red pepper, and Creamy Lemon Dressing. #glutenfree #lunch #dinner #healthyrecipes #healthyfood #salads #quinoa #kale

Welcome to your new breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between OBSESSION! This Quinoa and Kale Salad with Roasted Chickpeas and Creamy Lemon Dressing has everything you could ever want in a meal. It’s fresh, light, and bright from the lemon dressing, kale, scallion, and red pepper. Then it’s hearty, nutty, and salty from the quinoa, roasted chickpeas and Feta Cheese. And then you get a burst of fresh sweetness from the pomegranate seeds. And all of the different textures will make your mouth so happy!  Salads are super easy quinoa recipes. Not only only are they delicious and good for you, they are also incredibly versatile and can be made well in advance to enjoy all week!  Add a small container in your child’s school lunch, pack some for work, or eat for dinner!

5.  Simple Weeknight Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake

Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake in a bowl with potato chips on top. It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.

Casseroles are one of the best make-ahead options for busy families and a classic combo is broccoli and cheese. Usually, it’s made with rice, but this is a healthier version that’s made with Quinoa! Get ready for a comfy and cozy Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake that’s a simple side or main dish any weeknight!  This recipe comes together easily and gives the most amazing flavor. The quinoa is hearty, creamy, and flavorful, but also super healthy, loaded with fiber and protein! The broccoli brings color, vitamins, and texture. The cheese, well, it’s creamy and delicious! You can make this casserole entirely ahead and reheat any busy night! It’s a balanced meal on it’s own, but you can add chicken, meatballs, or any other easy meat that your family loves.

6.  Chorizo and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

Stuffed Tomatoes on sheet pan on counter with chorizo, quinoa, parmesan cheese, chives, garlic, and oregano are simply divine! 

Stuffed Tomatoes are little treasures! And these Stuffed Tomatoes with chorizo, quinoa, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, chives, garlic, and oregano are simply divine! Juicy tomatoes are hollowed out and the insides are mixed with these amazing ingredients and then stuffed back in. You get the warm juicy tomato with a salty and hearty center. Each bite is salty, peppery, creamy, and incredibly flavorful! These can be stuffed ahead and then baked right before serving and are great as either a side or a main!!

7. Mediterranean Sheet Pan Dinner with Sausage, Chickpeas, & Zucchini

Mediterranean SHEET PAN DINNER on a plate with chicken sausage, parmesan zucchini. and crispy chickpeas over quinoa with dollops of seasoned Ricotta. #sheetpandinner #chickpeas

Raise your hand if you love cooking, but I hate doing dishes. I don’t know about you, but in my house, there are always dishes piling up! That’s one of the reasons I LOVE this Mediterranean Sheet Pan Dinner for easy cleanup! It has hearty and satisfying chicken sausage, creamy and bright zucchini. and crispy nutty chickpeas. Everything is infused with Mediterranean flavors from the garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Serve over quinoa with a few dollops of seasoned Ricotta and you gotta one heck of a delicious dinner!

8. Quinoa Crust Tomato Tart with Artichoke Hearts and Goat Cheese

Close up of cut Tomato Tart on parchment. It gives you crunch from the Quinoa crust, a burst of fresh from the tomatoes, tons of flavor from the basil and garlic, tang and meatiness from the artichoke and so much creaminess from the mozzarella and goat cheese!  It's addictive and delicious!

This Quinoa Crust Tomato Tart has artichoke hearts, goat cheese, basil, and garlic. It’s a healthy alternative to pizza, but still gives you all the pizza feels with incredible taste! This was inspired by another recipe, my Bruschetta Topping with fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and creamy goat cheese. Add some mozzarella and pile it all on a healthy Quinoa Crust and you have an AMAZING and healthy tart! I love this recipe because you get crunch from the crust, a burst of fresh from the tomatoes, tons of flavor from the basil and garlic, tang and meatiness from the artichoke and so much creaminess from the mozzarella and goat cheese! It’s addictive and delicious!

9.  Creamy Cajun Beans & Cauliflower over Quinoa

Creamy Cajun Cauliflower and Beans over Quinoa in a bowl. The mild cajun flavors combined with  healthy garbanzo beans, black beans, cauliflower, and mushrooms make this a hearty, creamy, and delicious dish. 

This Creamy Cajun Beans and Cauliflower over Quinoa is a vegetarian dish for EVERYONE! Kids, adults, meat eaters, and veggie lovers will all love this recipe. The not-too-hot fantastic cajun flavors combined with healthy garbanzo beans, black beans, cauliflower, and mushrooms make this a hearty, creamy, and delicious dish. Creaminess comes from creating a roux and then using low fat milk and broth, no fattening/high-calorie heavy cream here!  For busy weeknights, you can make the cajun beans and cauliflower ahead, as well as the quinoa.  Store both in the fridge and then quickly warm up and serve together any night.

10.  Cilantro Lime Quinoa Side Dish

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

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!  It goes great with Garlic Lime Shrimp or Sweet and Sour Chicken Kabobs or Roasted Cumin Carrots with Avocado Crema or just about any grilled, broiled, or roasted protein or veggie!

11.  Sunny Quinoa with Fried Egg & Veggie Medley

This 5-ingredient Sunny Quinoa with Fried Egg & Veggie Medley is simple, but incredible. The Veggie Medley is a trifecta of red pepper, zucchini, and sweet corn that are roasted on a sheet pan. Then on top of it all is a salty fried egg with a runny yoke that oozes out to bring a deep creaminess to the entire dish.

This Sunny Quinoa with Fried Egg & Veggie Medley with only 6 ingredients, is so simple, but incredible because the combination of flavors is just perfect together. And if you have never had a fried egg with the yoke oozing over your rice or pasta or, in this case, quinoa, you are missing out and have gotta try this. The yoke brings a natural creaminess to the dish that you just cannot get from anything else.  This is another dish that’s great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

12.  Easy Mushroom Quinoa Risotto

This is a Creamy Parmesan Quinoa Mushroom Risotto in a pan on the stove is a recipe with garlic, parmesan, and mushrooms. I swapped the heavy cream for low fat milk and you will not miss any of the flavor, I promise! The quinoa soaks up the broth just as rice does so you make it the same way until it becomes creamy deliciousness.

Last, but not least, another easy quinoa risotto! This Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Quinoa Risotto is truly one of my all time favorite recipes!! You get the garlic flavor in the background and the nuttiness from the Parmesan combined with the earthy mushrooms. The quinoa soaks up the broth just as rice does so you make it the same way until it becomes creamy deliciousness.  I suggest rounding out the dinner by adding a simple grilled chicken or steak.  Or how about a super flavorful Paprika Chicken for a smokey and peppery addition?

What are YOUR favorite Quinoa recipes?  Please share in the comments!

😍 Carrie

Quinoa and Black Bean Burritos

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 1 Comment
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Quinoa Black Bean Burritos are a scrumptious family dinner!  Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

Quinoa and Black Bean Burritos are a scrumptious eat-with-your-hands family dinner!  They are packed with protein and fiber, but also ooey-gooey cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The ‘meat’ in this recipe is a flavorful taco-seasoned quinoa, black bean, and cauliflower filling.  I mean, could it get any healthier!?  But yet, it tastes like a burrito, it looks like a burrito, and it oozes like a burrito!

These Quinoa Black Bean Burritos are also such an easy Meal Prep idea because you can prep them entirely ahead and wrap them individually in foil.  Then toss them into the oven to warm through and enjoy! 

And….they are a great way to use ingredients from your pantry!  

Click here to get more pantry dinner ideas and  Pantry Must-Haves for Quick & Easy Dinners!

Quinoa Black Bean Burritos cut in half and standing face up on counter. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

Protein and Fiber! 

We all know that protein and fiber are important, but do you know if you’re getting enough each day?  It’s recommended that Women get at least 25g of Fiber and 46 grams of Protein per day (for the average sedentary woman).

I try to keep my carb intake down, so I generally eat a high protein diet.  However, when I checked my daily fiber intake, I was only at about 15g and was really surprised!!  Track your Fiber for a day or two and see how you stack up. 

1 cup of cooked quinoa has 8g of protein and 5g of fiber.  Black Beans have a whopping 15g of protein and 15g of Fiber in 1 cup!  Both are a great source of healthy protein and fiber!

Other Black Bean and Quinoa Recipes I love:

Quinoa Black Bean Burritos cut in half and stacked on plate. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

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. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Nothing special for this one! Just a small-medium pot with lid for the quinoa. You also need a large skillet/frying pan for making the filling. I use my absolute favorite 12″ Ceramic Pan, which is great because food really does slide right off with minimal oil and I don’t have to worry about food sticking and burning.  It comes with a glass lid, which is perfect for watching your dinner cook!

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR YOUR QUINOA & BLACK BEAN BURRITOS

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)

Quinoa

I love quinoa in this recipe because it just perfectly melds with the other ingredients and absorbs the taco seasoning.  It’s also a superfood that’s much healthier than using rice.  That said, you could certainly swap the quinoa for rice if you prefer.  

Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly in a strainer, then adding it to the water with the salt. Bring the water to a simmer, then turn it down to the lowest setting and cover. Cook covered for 20 minutes. Then turn off the heat, but leave the cover on for another 5 minutes.

Prep the rest of the ingredients

I love adding cauliflower to this recipe because the flavor completely transforms and for these 3 reasons:

  1. It is your main vegetable and makes this a balanced meal.  That means it brings the vitamins and nutrients that you would not be getting from the other ingredients.
  2. It balances out the calories and carbs from the quinoa and black beans.  Without the cauliflower, you would need to add more quinoa and beans.
  3. It provides the ‘meaty’ texture that we usually have in a burrito from the beef.  

You can leave the cauliflower out if you want, but you will have less filling and therefore, less burritos.  You will want to add another 1/2 can of beans and another 2 cups of quinoa for 10 burritos.

Cut the cauliflower florets into small pieces.  You want these to blend into the filling not be too big in the burrito.  

Cauliflower florets in hand for Quinoa Black Bean Burritos. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

Shred the cheese.  Dice the tomato.

COOK & ASSEMBLE YOUR QUINOA & BLACK BEAN BURRITOS

To a preheated large pan/skillet, add the oil and then the cauliflower florets. Cook for 5 minutes until they are browned.

Drain the black beans of any excess liquid and add them to the cauliflower in the pan. Then add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer.

Add the quinoa and stir to combine.  Add the taco seasoning and chili powder. Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed (depends on how salty your taco seasoning is).

Assemble!

When you are ready to assemble, warm your tortillas. I like to give them a light grill in a pan, but you can also warm them in the microwave.

Lay the tortilla on a flat surface and add 1/2 cup of the Quinoa Black Bean filling towards the bottom.  Add the other toppings…Cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream.

Then roll the burrito by first folding over the bottom of the tortilla over filling. Then fold in the sides and roll it up.  You can serve it now or if you want to store and reheat later, place on a square piece of aluminum foil on a diagonal, towards the bottom point. Roll it up and then fold the sides under.

 

  

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Quinoa Black Bean Burritos cut in half and stacked on plate. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.
Quinoa Black Bean Burritos cut in half and standing face up on plate. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.
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Quinoa Black Bean Burritos

Quinoa and Black Bean Burritos are a scrumptious eat-with-your-hands family dinner!  They are packed with protein and fiber, but also ooey-gooey cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The 'meat' in this recipe is a flavorful taco-seasoned quinoa, black bean, and cauliflower filling. Easy to prep in advance and wrap individually! #vegetarianburritos #blackbeanburritos #blackbeanrecipes #quinoarecipes #burritorecipe

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword black beans, burrito, mexican food, quinoa, tacos, vegetarian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 10 Burritos
Calories 396 kcal
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Quinoa

  • 2/3 cup Uncooked Quinoa
  • 1 1/3 cup Water
  • 1 tsp Salt

Burrito Quinoa Black Bean Filling

  • 1 tsp Olive Oil
  • 4 cups Cauliflower florets (small pieces)
  • 15 oz Black Beans, canned
  • 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 2 cups Water

Burritos

  • 10 10" Flour tortillas
  • 10 oz Shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 10 oz Sour Cream
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
  • 2 Large Tomatoes

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly in a strainer, then adding it to the water with the salt. Bring the water to a simmer, then turn it down to the lowest setting and cover. Cook covered for 20 minutes. Then turn off the heat, but leave the cover on for another 5 minutes.

  2. Cut the cauliflower florets

    Cauliflower florets in hand for Quinoa Black Bean Burritos. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

  3. Shred the cheese (if needed). Dice the tomato.

Cook the Quinoa Black Bean Filling

  1. To a preheated large pan/skillet, add the oil and then the cauliflower florets. Cook for 5 minutes until they are browned.

    Cauliflower florets in pan for Quinoa Black Bean Burritos. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

  2. Drain the black beans of any excess liquid and add them to the cauliflower in the pan. Then add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer.

    Black beans and Cauliflower florets in pan for Quinoa Black Bean Burritos. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

  3. Add cooked quinoa and the taco seasoning and chili powder. Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed (depends on how salty your taco seasoning is).

    Quinoa, Black beans and Cauliflower florets in pan for Quinoa Black Bean Burritos. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

Assemble your Burritos

  1. When you are ready to assemble, warm your tortillas. I like to give them a light grill in a pan, but you can also warm them in the microwave.

    Tortilla in pan for Quinoa Black Bean Burritos. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

  2. Lay the tortilla on a flat surface and add 1/2 cup of the Quinoa Black Bean filling towards the bottom.

  3. Add the other toppings…Cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream.

    Tortilla with Quinoa Black Bean filling, cheese, and tomatoes. These Burritos are packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

  4. Then roll the burrito by first folding over the bottom of the tortilla over filling. Then fold in the sides. Then roll if up. Serve and enjoy!

    Hand rolling Quinoa Black Bean Burrito. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

  5. Or to store and reheat later, place on a square piece of aluminum foil on a diagonal, towards the bottom point. Roll it up and then fold the sides under.

    Wrapping in foil, Quinoa Black Bean Burrito. Packed with protein and fiber, but also cheese, tomato, cilantro, and sour cream!  The vegetarian 'meat' is taco-seasoned quinoa, black beans, and cauliflower.

Recipe Notes

Prep Time includes the time to prep the ingredients and fill/assemble all 10 burritos. 

Cook Time includes the time to cook the quinoa and then the filling (cauliflower, black beans, and quinoa).  It does not include the time to reheat the burritos if cooled in the fridge.

If you store the prepared burritos in the fridge, reheat them in foil in the oven at 400 F degrees for 20 minutes.