Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

April 08, 2018

I have really been craving burrito bowls, so I decided to highlight them in the meal prep series this week. If you’re a meal prep pro, you’re probably very familiar with burrito bowls. They’re often the first meal the people learn how to meal prep because they’re just so easy and versatile. Despite being kind of a meal prep no-brainer, I’ve decided to feature them here for all my meal prepping newbies or those who are still just thinking about venturing into the meal prep world. I’m calling these the Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep because this version requires the least amount of work, no ingredients packed alone or on the side, and nothing to get soggy or limp as the bowls are stored in the fridge. This is where you start and I’ll provide some suggestions for customizing or taking your burrito bowl meal prep to the next level below.

As I mentioned above, all the ingredients in the “Easiest” Burrito Bowl Meal Prep can be stored in one container without fear of anything getting “yucky.” You can prepare this meal in about 30 minutes and there is only one item that requires slicing. It’s really that easy. You can use brown rice to make things a bit healthier, or even quinoa. And of course, you can adjust the portion of any of the ingredients to meet your taste buds or dietary needs.

Want some ideas for swaps or add-ins? How about these:

Grape tomatoes
Tortilla chips (pack separately)
Sour cream (pack separately)
Grilled zucchini
Roasted sweet potato cubes
Taco sauce
Jalapeños
Black olives
Cilantro
Shredded lettuce (pack separately)
Shredded chicken

Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

The Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep that you can put together in about 30 minutes with minimal cooking, chopping, and nothing to pack on the side. Lunch can be easy and tasty!

4 cups cooked rice. ($0.99)
1 lb. ground turkey or beef ($3.99)
taco seasoning* ($0.34)
1 cup frozen corn kernels ($0.38)
1 15 oz. can black beans ($0.59)
4 oz. cheese (about 1 cup shredded) ($1.00)
1 1/3 cup salsa ($1.30)
2 green onions ($0.13)

Cook the rice first. You will be able to prepare all the rest of the ingredients as the rice cooks. Cook the rice according to the package directions. To yield about 4 cups white rice, I use 1.5 cups uncooked rice and 2.5 cups water, but this may vary depending on your rice variety, so be sure to check the package.
While the rice is cooking, add the ground turkey or beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat until it is cooked through. Depending on the fat content of your meat, you may need to add a little oil to the skillet to keep it from sticking.
Once the meat is fully cooked, add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Stir and simmer the meat and spices until the water reduces to a saucy consistency (about 5 minutes). Turn the heat off and set the meat aside.
Thaw the corn kernels, rinse and drain the black beans, shred the cheese, and slice the green onions.
Once the rice is finished, fluff it with a fork and divide it between four containers. Divide the remaining six bowl ingredients between the containers as well (taco meat, corn, beans, cheese, salsa, and green onions).
Reheat the bowls for 1-2 minutes before eating to melt the cheese and heat the meat and rice through.

I used my own taco seasoning recipe, with the optional cornstarch to give the meat a slightly saucy consistency. You can use a store-bought envelope of taco seasoning if you prefer.

Step by Step Photos

Start by cooking your rice because you can prepare the rest of the ingredients in the 20-30 minutes that it takes for the rice to cook. Cook the rice according to the directions on its package. There are usually guides on the package about how much rice and water to use to yield a specific amount of rice. You’ll want about 4 cups of rice once cooked. I used 1.5 cups of rice and 2.5 cups water. (I like to use slightly less than a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, but that’s a personal preference.)

While the rice is cooking, prepare the taco meat. Cook one pound ground turkey or beef in a large skillet until it’s cooked through. Add the taco seasoning and a 1/2 cup water, then simmer until it’s reduced to a slightly saucy consistency. I used my homemade taco seasoning blend (with cornstarch), but you can use a store-bought packet of taco seasoning.

And this is what it looks like when it’s finished. Set the meat aside.

Then prepare and gather the rest of the burrito bowl ingredients. Thaw 1 cup frozen corn kernels, rinse and drain one 15oz. can of black beans, shred 4 oz. of cheddar, gather 1.3 cups salsa, and slice two green onions.

And then once the rice is finished cooking, it’s time to build the bowls! Just divide all the ingredients up evenly between four containers, pop them in the fridge, and you’re done! This really is the EASIEST burrito bowl meal prep you’ll ever make. Yes, there is a whole cup of rice in each, it’s just under some of the other ingredients ;)