# What You'll 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 - or 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and seasoned
05 - or 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 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
# Directions:
01 - Prepare rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before storage.
02 - For chicken: Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked, approximately 12-15 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces. For ground meat: Brown in a skillet with olive oil and seasonings until fully cooked, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat. For tofu: Toss cubes in olive oil and seasonings, then pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides.
03 - Warm drained beans in a separate skillet with a splash of olive oil, ground cumin, and chili powder for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Dice red bell pepper, measure corn kernels, halve cherry tomatoes, finely dice red onion, and chop lettuce or romaine. Keep vegetables in separate storage containers to maintain optimal freshness and crispness.
05 - Divide cooled rice, seasoned beans, cooked protein, and prepared vegetables evenly into 4 airtight containers, storing each component separately. Store cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro in small individual containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
06 - When ready to eat, gently reheat base components if desired. Layer rice and protein in a bowl, top with warm or room-temperature vegetables and beans. Add fresh toppings immediately before serving. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl and serve immediately.
