^[1]Here’s a vegan burger-type entree made even simpler by the fact that you need not even make, fry, and flip patties. Pinto beans and quinoa team up to make a great, high-protein sloppy joe filling. Serve with any of VegKitchen’s potato salads ^[2] or any of the tasty slaws in A Slew of Slaws. ^[3] Finish with a dessert of fresh fruit. This menu is likely to become a fixture in your repertoire if you have a penchant for simple, hearty meals, and it’s a great choice for hungry teens.

Serves: 4 to 6

• 1/2 cup raw quinoa, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1/2 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 15- to 16-ounce can pinto or red beans,
  drained, rinsed, and coarsely mashed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar or natural granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder, or more, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro, plus more for topping, optional
• Shredded lettuce or baby spinach leaves
• 6 whole grain rolls, English muffins, or mini-pitas

Combine the quinoa with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a slow boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the bell pepper and sauté until both are golden.

Add the remaining ingredients except the last two, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook over medium-low heat, loosely covered, for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the skillet stand off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle further and for the quinoa to absorb the tomatoey flavors.

For each serving, spoon some of the filling onto the bottoms of whole-grain rolls and cover with the tops. Or, you can serve these open-faced.

Here are more:

• E ^[4]asy bean main dishes ^[4]
• V ^[5]egan sandwiches and wraps ^[5]
• V ^[6]egan burger recipes ^[6]
• Q ^[7]uinoa recipes ^[7]
• of VegKitchen’s Vegan Dinner Recipes ^[8] and more Main Dishes Featuring Grains and/or Beans ^[9].