Versatile bowl base with rice, beans, protein, and fresh toppings for easy weekly meal prep.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 - 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 tbsp olive oil
18 - 1 tsp ground cumin
19 - 1 tsp chili powder
20 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
21 - Salt and pepper to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Prepare rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before portioning.
02 - Select and cook one protein option: Season chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then cook in skillet with olive oil until fully cooked and chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, brown ground meat in skillet with olive oil and seasonings until cooked through and drain excess fat. For tofu, toss cubes in olive oil and seasonings, then pan-fry until golden and crispy on all sides.
03 - Warm drained beans in skillet with splash of olive oil, ground cumin, and chili powder for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and flavorful.
04 - Dice bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes. Shred or chop lettuce. Slice or mash avocado. Chop fresh cilantro. Prepare all components in separate containers for easy assembly.
05 - Divide cooked rice, seasoned beans, prepared protein, and fresh vegetables into 4 airtight containers, keeping each component separate to maintain optimal freshness and texture during storage.
06 - Transfer cheese, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges into small separate containers. Store avocado in airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto surface to prevent browning.
07 - Reheat base components as desired. Layer rice, beans, and protein in bowl. Top with fresh vegetables and remaining toppings just before consumption to maintain crispness and flavor integrity.
