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I stumbled upon this mason jar meal recipe while experimenting with my Instant Pot, and it's become a game-changer for busy weeknights. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans, plus vibrant veggies, this Southwest-inspired dish delivers a flavor punch that'll make your taste buds dance. Best part? You can prep four jars at once, ensuring quick, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week. Trust me, once you try this meal prep hack, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients for Delicious Instant Pot Mason Jar Meals
- Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, quinoa adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture to the dish.
- Water: Essential for cooking the quinoa and ensuring the grains are properly hydrated for a perfect texture.
- Black beans: Packed with protein and fiber, black beans add a hearty and satisfying element to the meal.
- Corn kernels: Sweet and crunchy, corn kernels bring a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, as well as a vibrant pop of color to the recipe.
- Red onion: Provides a sharp and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish.
- Cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor with a hint of citrus, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
- Chili powder: Brings a mild heat and smokiness to the dish, balancing the flavors and adding a touch of spice.
- Salsa: Adds a zesty and tangy kick, as well as moisture and flavor to the layers in the mason jar.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich and creamy texture, along with a savory and salty flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens up the dish with its fresh and citrusy flavor, adding a pop of herbaceous freshness.
Essential Tools for Making Instant Pot Mason Jar Recipes
- Instant Pot: Essential for cooking the quinoa quickly and efficiently.
- Mason jars: Perfect for assembling and storing the individual portions of the meal.
Mason Jar Meals and More in the Instant Pot Recipes
This recipe provides a convenient and healthy meal option that can be prepared in advance and stored in mason jars for up to 4 days. Perfect for meal prepping!
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine quinoa and water. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Add black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the quinoa. Mix well.
- In 4 mason jars, layer the quinoa mixture, salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
- Close the jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To serve, heat the jar in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Notes:
Store the mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, simply heat in the microwave.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 16gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 4mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tips for Prepping and Freezing Mason Jar Meals Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa mixture as directed in the recipe.
- Layer the mixture in mason jars as instructed.
- Store the jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Leave out the salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
- Fill freezer-safe containers with the quinoa mixture.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding salsa, cheese, and cilantro.
One interesting fact about this mason jar meal recipe is that you can customize the ingredients to create different flavor profiles. Try adding diced avocado, cooked chicken, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a unique twist on this versatile dish.
Common Questions About Preparing Instant Pot Mason Jar Meals
FAQ:
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
How long can I store these mason jar meals in the refrigerator?
You can store these mason jar meals in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use a different type of grain instead of quinoa?
Certainly! You can substitute quinoa with rice, couscous, or any other grain you prefer.
Is it necessary to heat the mason jar meals before eating?
Yes, it's recommended to heat the mason jar meals in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through before eating.
Can I freeze these mason jar meals?
It's not recommended to freeze these mason jar meals as the texture may change when thawed.
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