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Quick Flavorful Burrito Bowl Recipe with Quinoa in 22 Minutes

quick flavorful burrito bowl with quinoa - featured image

A quick and easy burrito bowl featuring toasted quinoa, black beans, fresh veggies, and zesty lime, ready in just 22 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful and wholesome meal is satisfying and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the quinoa and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it smells nutty.
  3. Add 2 cups (475ml) water and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  4. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes.
  5. While quinoa cooks, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Add diced bell pepper and chopped red onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  7. Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  8. Add rinsed black beans and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and tomatoes soften slightly.
  9. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to the skillet or mix in a large bowl.
  10. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the mixture, add salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently to combine.
  11. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and add diced or sliced avocado on top before serving.

Notes

Toast quinoa before cooking to add nuttiness. Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness. Add lime juice at the end to preserve brightness. If skillet mixture is dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of salsa. Adjust chili powder to taste. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days; add avocado fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: burrito bowl, quinoa, quick dinner, healthy meal, black beans, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipe