Description
Zesty quinoa taco bowl brings Mexican street flavors straight to home kitchens. Protein-packed layers combine fresh ingredients with bold spices for a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
Protein & Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground protein (96% lean beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based substitute)
- 1 can (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium tomato, diced
Toppings:
- 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/3 cup guacamole
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 large lime, cut into 6 wedges
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa by combining it with water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until grains become light and fluffy. Infuse with taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté corn and bell peppers until vegetables develop a slight char and corn begins to pop, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove vegetables and set aside in a separate container.
- Use the same skillet to cook ground protein. Brown meat for 6-7 minutes, then incorporate remaining taco seasoning. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to develop deeper flavor.
- Construct individual serving bowls by creating a quinoa base. Layer with roasted corn and pepper mixture, seasoned protein, black beans, and fresh tomatoes. Garnish with shredded cheese, creamy yogurt or sour cream, dollop of guacamole, fresh cilantro, and squeeze of lime wedges.
Notes
- Swap quinoa for cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version perfect for keto dieters.
- Toast quinoa briefly before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall texture.
- Use plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty profile.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to transform this recipe into a quick weeknight meal that saves time during busy schedules.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg