This post is sponsored by Del Monte Foods, Inc. This vegetarian Quinoa Taco Skillet is loaded with veggies and tons of spices. It’s a light and healthy one pan dish, perfect for an easy weeknight meal!

This Quinoa Taco Skillet combines all of your favorite taco flavors in one pan! The fluffy quinoa, hearty beans, and melty cheesy make this dish an irresistible weeknight meal. 

quinoa taco skillet
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You know I’m a huge fan of easy meals, and this one is no exception! It’s a great way to use the items you probably already have in your pantry. You can customize this as much as you like with toppings like avocado or jalapeno, but this dish has plenty of flavor on its own!

quinoa taco skillet

I was so excited to partner with Del Monte® because I use their canned goods regularly. For this recipe, I used Del Monte® Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn. I learned that Del Monte’s vegetables are grown in the United States and packed within 75 miles of the farm where they are picked, which is pretty cool! Canned goods are such an easy and convenient option, so my pantry is always stocked! Find Del Monte in a grocery store near you using their product finder! I was so excited to partner with Del Monte® because I use their canned goods regularly. For this recipe, I used Del Monte® Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn. I learned that Del Monte’s vegetables are grown in the United States and packed within 75 miles of the farm where they are picked, which is pretty cool! Canned goods are such an easy and convenient option, so my pantry is always stocked! Find Del Monte in a grocery store near you using their product finder!

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is technically a seed but it cooks like a grain. This means it’s naturally gluten-free! It comes in different varieties, although they all taste pretty similar. You’ll see quinoa in a beige color, red quinoa, and tri-color quinoa which is really just a blend of different varieties. Check out this post for everything you need to know about quinoa!

Quinoa Taco Skillet

Substitution Ideas

  • You can use black beans or pinto beans. I’ve made it both ways, and it’s delicious! For even more flavor, try using 2 cups of my Mexican Black Beans in this recipe!
  • Feel free to use red quinoa, white quinoa, or a tri-color blend. The color doesn’t make a difference.
  • I like the flavor of red onion in this dish, but you can use yellow or white onions if you prefer.
Cooked onions

Tips for the Perfect Quinoa Taco Skillet

  • Cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth infuses it with flavor. I prefer a “not-chicken” style broth, which tastes like chicken broth but is completely vegetarian. You can also use low-sodium broth if desired.
  • You can add jarred salsa or fresh pico de gallo on top. You can also use canned, diced tomatoes with green chilis if you like things spicy.
  • I like to use a block of cheddar cheese and shred it just before I’m ready to use it. Pre-shredded cheddar doesn’t melt quite as quickly, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
quinoa taco skillet

More Ways to Cook Quinoa

If you’re looking for other ways to cook quinoa, so it’s perfectly fluffy, try making quinoa in a rice cooker for perfectly fluffy quinoa every time! You can also make quinoa in an Instant Pot. If you like this recipe, but you want to make it in the oven, try my Mexican Quinoa Bake recipe! For a more hands-off version, try my Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa recipe.

quinoa taco skillet

Topping Ideas

Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Fresh cilantro is delicious or you can kick it up a notch and add a drizzle of this creamy cilantro sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon! Or add a few dashes of hot sauce to bring on the heat. Crushed tortilla chips are also a fun way to add texture and flavor! A dollop of sour cream or even fresh jalapenos can bring even more flavor to this tasty recipe.

quinoa taco skillet
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quinoa taco skillet

Quinoa Taco Skillet

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 45 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 Minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This quinoa taco skillet is loaded with beans, vegetables, and plenty of spices. It’s a light and healthy dish, perfect for an easy weeknight meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 medium red or yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup tomato salsa
  • 1 15oz can Del Monte® Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn
  • 1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cilantro, avocado, jalapeno (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the onion and sautè for 4-5 minutes until the onion begins to soften.
  3. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder and continue to cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Continue to cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add the quinoa, broth, salsa, black beans, and corn to the pan and bring to a boil.
  6. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, about 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
  7. Top with cheese and cover with the lid for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Add any additional toppings you like and enjoy!

Quality ingredients are the key to a delicious final product and Del Monte’s sweet corn tastes just as fresh as corn on the cob. (I guess with 130 years of farming experience, they know how to do it!) Whether you’re making this Quinoa Taco Skillet on a Tuesday night or you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, stocking your pantry with high-quality ingredients will help you create a delicious meal!

Side Dish Ideas

mexican street corn