Burrito bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a burrito without the extra carbs and calories from the tortilla. They're easy to customize, making them perfect for meal prepping and weight loss. This article will explore some delicious and healthy burrito bowl recipes that you can easily make at home.
Why Burrito Bowls Are Great for Weight Loss
Burrito bowls offer several advantages for those looking to manage their weight:
- Customizable: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose healthier options and control portion sizes.
- High in Protein and Fiber: Burrito bowls can be packed with protein and fiber, which help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipes to your dietary preferences and use up leftovers.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Burrito bowls are perfect for meal prepping, saving you time and ensuring you have a healthy meal option ready to go.
The Easiest Burrito Bowl Meal Prep
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, requiring minimal cooking and chopping. It's perfect for meal prep newbies or those looking for a quick and healthy lunch option. This recipe 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. These are a meal prep-no brainer and will make your week that much easier!
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 4 cups cooked rice ($0.99)
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef ($3.99)
- Taco seasoning* ($0.67)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels ($0.38)
- 1 15oz can black beans ($0.59)
- 4 oz shredded cheese
*You can use a store-bought envelope of taco seasoning if you prefer, or your own taco seasoning recipe, with the optional cornstarch to give the meat a slightly saucy consistency.
Instructions:
- Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the package directions. To yield about 4 cups white rice, 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.
- Prepare the meat: 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.
- Prepare other ingredients: Thaw the corn kernels, rinse and drain the black beans, shred the cheese, and slice the green onions.
- Assemble the bowls: Once the rice is finished, fluff it with a fork and divide it between four containers. Divide all the ingredients up evenly between four containers, pop them in the fridge, and you’re done!
Cost: $9.05 recipe / $2.26 serving
Read also: Delicious Breakfast Burritos
Knockoff Chipotle Beef Bowl Recipe
This recipe is a healthier and simplified version of the popular Chipotle bowl, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking. This recipe became a part of weekday rotation when looking for an easy, satisfying, colorful, protein-rich meal. These bowls come together in about 20 minutes, pack in 29g of protein per serving, and are endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
- Ground meat (beef or turkey)
- Onions
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chipotle seasoning
- Vegetables for salsa (tomato, cucumber, onion, jalapeño)
- Jasmine rice (or brown rice or quinoa)
- Lettuce
- Cheddar cheese
- Guacamole (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice: Cook the rice as per the package instructions. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear prior to cooking it for best results.
- Prepare the meat: Warm the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and break it into small chunks as it browns. Cook the meat for about 10 minutes, or until all the liquid has fully evaporated and the meat begins to brown and caramelize. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the onions, salt, pepper, and chipotle. Cook for a few more minutes or until the onions have softened. Set aside.
- Make the salsa: Using a food chopper, pass each vegetable (tomato, cucumber, onion, jalapeño) through, one at a time, until you have a fine dice. Add a pinch of salt to taste and stir.
- Assemble the bowls: In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of the cooked ground meat (75 grams after its cooked), 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice, a handful of shredded lettuce, 1/8 cup grated cheddar cheese (35 grams) and the chopped veg. Add guac or sour cream if desired.
Skinny Burrito Bowl Recipe
This recipe focuses on using healthier ingredients to create a lighter version of the traditional burrito bowl.
Ingredients:
- Brown rice
- Ground turkey
- Taco seasoning (low sodium, no MSG)
- Chicken broth
- Salsa
- Diced tomatoes
- Corn
- Beans
- Cheese
- Tomatoes, salsa, and chives for garnish
- Avocado and lettuce (optional)
Instructions:
- Over medium heat, in a skillet, cook the onion and ground turkey. The turkey should be cooked until it's no longer pink. Drain off any fat, then push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the rice and toast for about 1 minute.
- Add to the turkey and rice mixture: chicken broth, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, corn, and the beans. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper. If it starts to dry up, just add a little more broth. Turn off the burner.
- Mix in the cheese. It will melt with the heat.
- Serve in individual bowls and garnish with the remaining tomatoes, salsa, and chives. You can also garnish it with fresh avocado, and lettuce.
Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl
This recipe emphasizes protein and veggies for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Cooked rice (cilantro lime variety recommended)
- Prepared pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes
- Cooked black beans
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Onion
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook anything that needs to be cooked, like your rice or chicken. When the chicken is cooked, chop it or shred it, then pop it into a small mixing bowl. Sprinkle some taco seasoning over it and toss to coat; set it aside.
- Prep the other ingredients, chopping your veggies and shredding your cheese, etc. Then grab yourself a personal-sized serving bowl and put your cooked rice into.
- Top the rice with the chicken, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, onion, and avocado. Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) on top and add some chili flakes for heat if you’d like. Add hot sauce for an extra kick.
Tips for Making Your Burrito Bowls Healthier
- Choose lean protein: Opt for ground turkey, chicken breast, or lean beef to reduce fat intake.
- Load up on veggies: Add plenty of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, corn, and bell peppers to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Use brown rice or quinoa: These whole grains are higher in fiber and nutrients than white rice.
- Limit cheese and sour cream: Use these toppings sparingly or choose low-fat versions. Consider using avocado instead for a creamy and healthy fat source.
- Make your own salsa and guacamole: This allows you to control the ingredients and reduce sodium and unhealthy fats.
- Control portion sizes: Be mindful of how much you're putting in your bowl to avoid overeating.
Customization Options
The beauty of burrito bowls is their versatility. Here are some ideas for swaps and add-ins:
- Protein: Use any ground meat you like here, however favorite choices are beef or turkey.
- Grains: Instead of jasmine rice, try brown rice or even quinoa.
- Vegetables: Use any vegetables you love here. Bell peppers, sweet peppers, corn, and carrots all work here. In place of Romaine lettuce, you can also try shredded green and/or purple cabbage.
- Salsa: Try mixing it up with mango salsa or peach salsa.
- Toppings: Pickled red onions are so easy to make and add a burst of tartness. These bowls are delicious garnished with fresh or pickled jalapeños, fresh herbs (such as cilantro or scallions), sliced black olives, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook ingredients in advance: Cook the rice, meat, and beans ahead of time to save time during the week.
- Chop veggies: Chop all your vegetables and store them in airtight containers.
- Assemble bowls: Assemble the bowls with the rice, meat, and cheese and store in the fridge for about 3 days. Add the fresh ingredients just as you are about to enjoy.
- Store wet ingredients separately: Keep wet ingredients like salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the bowls from getting soggy.
- Freezing: Cook the rice dish and cool before adding to freezer safe dishes or Ziploc bags. Thaw the rice in the fridge before reheating.
Read also: Quick Keto Breakfast
Read also: Burritos for a Slimmer You