The Go-To Burrito Bowl
A hearty, protein and veggie packed lunch that you can easily tweak and change up to your liking. It's much cleaner than what you can buy at your favorite burrito place.
A hearty, protein and veggie packed lunch that you can easily tweak and change up to your liking. It's much cleaner than what you can buy at your favorite burrito place.
- sour cream (optional)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1.5 cups greens (chopped i use kale)
- 1 cup corn (canned frozen or fresh)
- 1.5 cups brown rice (cooked according to the package)
- 1-2 avocados (depending on how much you like)
- 1 lime (sliced)
- cumin (or taco seasoning) (to taste)
- olive oil (or oil of your choice)
- 3/4 cup cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional if you like it spicy)
- Carbohydrate 0.749066666666667 g
- Cholesterol 36.2833333333333 mg
- Fat 11.5942 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 8.54366666666667 g
- Saturated Fat 7.36636 g
- Serving Size 1 1 lunche (38g)
- Sodium 259.874 mg
- Sugar 0.749066666666667 g
- Trans Fat 0.603283333333334 g
- Calories 141 calories
Step-by-step
- After prepping ingredients, heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Stir in beans and corn.
- Add salt, pepper, cumin and cayenne if using, then stir.
- Let that cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and stir.
- Turn the heat down and let the mixture cook for another three minutes uncovered.
- Add the cheddar cheese, then remove from the heat and set aside.
- In three containers, add a layer of rice first. Each should have about a 1/2 cup of rice.
- Then add 1/2 cup of greens on top of the rice. Sprinkle with salt if you want.
- On top of the greens, divide and add the warm beans, corn and tomato mixture. This will make the greens get slightly soft without making them soggy.
- Squeeze lime slices over each container, or add sliced lime to each one so you can squeeze fresh juice over the bowl before eating.
- If using, add 1/4 C chopped cilantro to each container.
- The morning before you take it to work, top each dish with sliced or mashed avocado and sour cream if you're using it. This will instantly freshen it up, especially if you're not a fan of leftovers.
- Reheat in the microwave before eating, but make sure to remove the limes if you're adding slices.
My Go-To Burrito Bowl: A Busy Woman's Lunchtime Savior
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding healthy, delicious, and easy lunches is a constant struggle. I've tried meal prepping services, but they often fall short in terms of taste and affordability. Then, I discovered the magic of the burrito bowl. This isn't your average fast-food burrito bowl – this is a customized masterpiece tailored to my busy lifestyle and nutritional needs. It's packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies, and the best part? It's incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. I can adapt it based on what's in my fridge and what I'm craving. One day I might add black beans and corn, the next day I’ll swap it for kidney beans and roasted sweet potatoes. The core components remain the same: fluffy brown rice, vibrant greens (I love kale!), a flavorful bean and veggie mixture, and a creamy avocado topping. The lime adds a refreshing zing, cutting through the richness of the avocado and cheese. Even better, the prep time is minimal, making it perfect for those early mornings when every second counts.
I typically make three servings at a time. I layer the rice, greens, and warm bean mixture in individual containers the night before. The morning of, I add the avocado and a squeeze of lime. This keeps the avocado from browning and the bowl crisp and flavorful. It's also perfect for reheating in the microwave, although I usually prefer it cold straight from the fridge. It's a satisfying lunch that keeps me energized and focused throughout my workday, avoiding that dreaded afternoon slump.
Why this bowl is my go-to:
- Fast & Easy Prep: Minimal prep time, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to your liking and what you have on hand.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Easily made ahead of time and stored for the week.
- Affordable: Uses budget-friendly ingredients.
This burrito bowl isn’t just a lunch; it’s a statement about prioritizing health and efficiency without sacrificing taste. It’s a testament to the fact that nutritious and delicious meals don’t have to be time-consuming. Give it a try, and let me know what your favorite variations are! I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Ingredients I love to add for variety:
- Different types of beans (kidney, pinto, chickpeas)
- Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Other leafy greens (spinach, romaine)
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
This simple recipe has become a cornerstone of my healthy eating habits, and I hope it does the same for you. It's the perfect example of how a little planning can go a long way toward achieving a balanced and delicious diet, even with the demands of a busy schedule. So, ditch the drive-through and embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of a homemade burrito bowl! You won’t regret it.
