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High Protein One Pot Dinner - A Simple, Satisfying Weeknight Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground turkey or chicken (or use extra-lean ground beef)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (skip if your protein has more fat)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed (or 3/4 cup brown rice; adjust liquid and time)
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chopped baby spinach (or kale)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella; optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sliced avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the pot. Place a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil if using.
  • Brown the protein. Add ground turkey. Cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains and edges are lightly browned. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
  • Sauté aromatics. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Toast the spices. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices.
  • Add grains and liquids. Stir in rinsed quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Scrape the bottom to release any browned bits.
  • Simmer. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes, until quinoa is tender and uncurls. If using brown rice, simmer 35–40 minutes and add a splash more broth as needed.
  • Stir in greens. Fold in spinach. Cover and cook 2 more minutes until wilted.
  • Finish. Turn off heat. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder. If using cheese, sprinkle over the top, cover for 1–2 minutes, and let it melt.
  • Serve. Spoon into bowls and top with cilantro or green onions. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a few avocado slices if you like.