Meal Prep Burrito Bowl Base (Printable)

Versatile burrito bowl base with rice, beans, protein, and fresh toppings for easy weekly meals.

# What You Need:

→ 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, fresh or frozen
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 It:

01 - Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before portioning.
02 - Season protein with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. For chicken: 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 cooked through, then 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 all fresh vegetables and arrange toppings in separate small containers for easy assembly.
05 - Divide rice, beans, protein, and vegetables into 4 separate airtight containers, keeping each component isolated to maintain freshness during storage. Store toppings and fresh items in individual small containers.
06 - Reheat base components as desired, then top with fresh vegetables and toppings just before eating. Squeeze lime wedges over the bowl for brightness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Highly Customizable: Easily adapt the base to fit vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
  • Fresh and Hearty: Separate storage ensures your vegetables stay crisp and your grains stay fluffy.
  • Time-Saving: Spend less than an hour preparing a whole week's worth of delicious lunches.
02 -
  • Stay Fresh: Store each component separately to maintain the best texture and prevent the rice from getting soggy.
  • Smart Reheating: Only reheat the grains, beans, and protein; add the cold vegetables and toppings afterwards for a fresh contrast.
  • Avocado Storage: If prepping avocado in advance, toss it with lime juice and keep it in an airtight container to prevent browning.
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