One-Pot Mexican Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-28 · Updated 2026-04-28

A hearty, protein-packed chili combining black beans, quinoa, and spices cooked together in one pot for a comforting vegetarian meal. This Mexican-inspired vegan recipe (high protein), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
• 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed black beans
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 2 cans drained black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), and 3 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until quinoa is tender and chili thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.