One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Stew
A filling and nutritious stew combining quinoa and black beans with a spicy tomato base, perfect for a cozy meal. This mexican-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rinsed quinoa, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 small finely chopped jalapeño, 2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Season the stew with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stir well, and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Stew take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed quinoa from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
