Versatile Mexican-inspired bowl base with rice, beans, protein, and crisp veggies for easy weekly meal planning.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, or quinoa for gluten-free option
→ Beans
02 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
→ Protein
03 - 2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
04 - or 1 pound ground beef or turkey, cooked and seasoned
05 - or 1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu, pressed and cubed for vegetarian option
→ Vegetables
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
10 - 1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
→ Toppings
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
12 - 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
14 - 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Lime wedges for serving
→ Seasonings
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
19 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
20 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
21 - Salt and pepper to taste
# How To Make:
01 - Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before storing.
02 - Choose your protein: For chicken, season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then cook in a skillet with olive oil until fully cooked and chop. For ground meat, brown in a skillet with olive oil and seasonings until fully cooked and drain excess fat. For tofu, toss cubes in olive oil and seasonings, then pan-fry until golden on all sides.
03 - Sauté beans with a splash of olive oil, cumin, and chili powder for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and well-seasoned.
04 - Dice bell pepper, measure corn kernels, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red onion, and shred or chop lettuce. Prepare all components and set aside.
05 - Divide rice, beans, protein, and vegetables into 4 airtight containers, storing each component separately to maintain freshness. Place toppings in small individual containers.
06 - When ready to eat, reheat base components as desired, then add fresh vegetables and toppings immediately before serving for optimal texture and freshness.
