I absolutely love it when I can put together a quick and delicious meal with ingredients I already have on hand! Especially when it’s something the entire family can enjoy for dinner. Even my toddler couldn’t get enough of this one!
Here’s what I’m loving about this Easy Quinoa Chili:
- It can be made completely from pantry items!
- It’s great as leftovers or a freezer meal.
- The entire recipe only takes 30 minutes to make.
- It’s healthy, hearty, comforting, and SO good!
RELATED: 35 Healthy Pantry Recipes
1. Combine quinoa + diced tomatoes 2. Add in beans and broth 3. Add in tomato sauce 4. Add in corn 5. Mix and add in spices 6. Cook, serve, and enjoy!
What you need to make the best quinoa chili
Good quality quinoa
It’s always a great idea to keep quinoa stocked in your pantry! This brand of quinoa is my favorite.
Learn How To Cook Quinoa Perfectly Every Time.
Note: Find quality quinoa and other healthy ingredients for this recipe at a discounted price on Thrive Market!
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes for the base
The base for quinoa chili is made from canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. You’ll also need a little bit of vegetable broth!
Canned beans and corn
I used canned beans and corn for the vegetables in this recipe. However, feel free to add any that sound good!
The spices
The best chili recipes are ALL about using the right amounts of spices. Here’s what we’re using in this recipe:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Onion (fresh onion is great, too!)
- Dried Cilantro
- Salt/Pepper
When I made this recipe, I was focused on using ingredients that I already had in my pantry. However, if you’d prefer to use fresh garlic, onion, or cilantro, feel free to do so!
What to serve with this recipe
Want to take this recipe to the next level? Top it off with a little sour cream (or plain greek yogurt), shredded cheese, and serve it with tortilla chips. SO yummy!
More chili recipes you’ll love:
More quinoa recipes to make for dinner:
- Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese
- Chili Mango Zesty Quinoa Salad
- Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls
- Quinoa & Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa
Easy Quinoa Chili
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup quinoa (dry)
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 15.5 oz. can black beans (drained)
- 1 15.5 oz. can pinto beans (drained)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 Tbsp dried onion (or 1/2 onion, chopped)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- dried cilantro (to taste)
- salt/pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine the quinoa and diced tomatoes in a stock pot over medium-high heat.
- Add in the beans, corn, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce.
- Add in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, onion, garlic, cilantro, and salt/pepper.
- Stir and lower heat.
- Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tania Aychan says:
can we add beef in this and if so how would i do so or where do i add it?
Christine McMichael replied:
Absolutely! I would try cooking it a bit at the beginning before adding in the quinoa, then continue according to directions. Another option is to just cook it separately and then add it towards the end of the recipe. I would also add another 1/2 – 1 cup of broth if using beef. Enjoy!
Sandra says:
Is it 11/2 cups of quinoa or 1/2 cup?
Christine McMichael replied:
Hi, Sandra! It’s 1 1/2 (1.5) cups of dry quinoa. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Sandra replied:
Thank you, I’ll let you know
Oh my this is so delicious my non-vegan family can’t stop eating it. This is a keeper
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says:
Talk about a big ol’ bowl of comfort food! Man this looks so delicious! I love that it’s using pantry ingredients too! I can’t wait to try this!
Marisa F. Stewart says:
We always have quinoa on hand. In fact it’s a staple in our pantry. This certainly is a good alternative to our meat chili. I love the combination of bean. I’m saving the recipe.
Tammy says:
Honestly, one of the best vegetarian chilis I’ve come across. Quinoa is such a genius idea…this looks hearty, wholesome, and satisfying. I could go for a bowl ASAP <3