Instant Pot Quinoa Burrito Bowls
This recipe makes quinoa burrito bowls by cooking quinoa with sautéed red onion and red bell pepper in an Instant Pot, using a flavorful base of cumin and salsa. Black beans are added without stirring before pressure cooking. The finished dish is fluffy quinoa mixed with vegetables and beans, offering a hearty, protein-rich meal that can be topped with avocado, guacamole, cilantro, and other fresh garnishes. It’s a practical one-pot recipe for a nutritious and filling bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ red onion , diced
- 1 red bell pepper , diced and seeds removed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 cup quinoa , rinsed well
- 1 cup salsa prepared
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans , drained and rinsed
- avocado guacamole, fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, lime wedges, shredded lettuce, optional toppings
Instructions
- Heat the oil in the bottom of the Instant Pot, using the "Saute" setting. Saute the onions and peppers until start to soften, about 5 minutes, then add in cumin and stir for another minute. Press the Off/Cancel button right away.
- Add in the quinoa and water and stir well, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom. (This will prevent a burn error later.) Add the salsa and beans on top without stirring again. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to "Sealing."
- Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and cook at high pressure for 1 minute. Let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes when the cooking cycle is complete, to let the quinoa finish cooking, without burning to the bottom of the pot. When the screen reads L0:15, move the steam release valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
- When the floating valve in the lid has dropped, it's safe to remove the lid. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then serve warm with any toppings you love, such as avocado, diced onions, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can quickly reheat on the stove top, or serve cold!
Notes
- Nutrition estimates are for one serving without additional toppings.
- Increased water ensures even quinoa cooking in the Instant Pot.
- You can cook using the Rice setting for 12 minutes at low pressure as an alternative method.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 163
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 163kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Sodium | 294mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 268mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.3mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.