Versatile make-ahead bowls with rice, protein, beans, and fresh toppings for easy assembly.
# Components:
→ Grains
01 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
→ Beans
02 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
→ Protein
03 - 2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
04 - 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and seasoned
05 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
→ Vegetables
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup corn kernels
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 0.5 red onion, finely diced
10 - 1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
→ Toppings
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
12 - 0.5 cup salsa or pico de gallo
13 - 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
14 - 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
15 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Lime wedges, for serving
→ Seasonings
17 - 1 tbsp olive oil
18 - 1 tsp ground cumin
19 - 1 tsp chili powder
20 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
21 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before portioning.
02 - For chicken: Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until fully cooked, approximately 12-15 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces. For ground meat: Brown in a skillet with olive oil and seasonings until fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes, then drain excess fat. For tofu: Toss cubes in olive oil and seasonings, then pan-fry until golden on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes.
03 - Heat beans in a separate skillet with a splash of olive oil, cumin, and chili powder for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and seasoned.
04 - Dice bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, finely dice red onion, shred lettuce, and chop cilantro. Slice or mash avocado. Arrange all components on a clean work surface for assembly.
05 - Divide cooked rice, seasoned beans, prepared protein, and fresh vegetables into 4 airtight meal prep containers, storing each component separately to maintain optimal texture and freshness. Place toppings in small individual containers for assembly at time of consumption.
06 - Reheat base components as desired, then layer with fresh vegetables and toppings immediately before serving for maximum freshness and texture contrast.
