The Easiest Meal Prep Ever: Simple Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Base Macros Protein: 12g | Carbs: 56g | Fat: 11g | Calories: 375 per serving
This is one of my favorite “no excuse” meals. When life’s chaotic and you just need something easy, fast, and nourishing, a simple burrito bowl saves the day. You don’t even have to cook anything if you’ve got pre-cooked rice or quinoa on hand. Eat it cold or hot, it travels well and gives you a lot of options and control over your macros.
The Formula
All you need per serving is:
½ cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
½ cup black beans (rinsed well)
A few grape tomatoes (I use 6)
2 tbsp chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
½ avocado
¼ cup salsa
This is your high-fiber, plant-based base. You can load it up with optional add-ins (below) to meet your protein goals.
Optional Protein Boosts & Macros
Want more protein? Add any one or more of these items and update your macros:
Chicken breast (3 oz) - 26g Protein | 0g Carbs | 3g Fat | 131 Calories
Shrimp, cooked (3 oz) - - 20g Protein | 0g Carbs | 1g Fat | 89 Calories
Shredded cheddar cheese (¼ cup) - 7g Protein | 1g Carbs | 8g Fat | 113 Calories
Sour cream (2 tbsp) - 1g Protein | 1g Carbs | 5g Fat | 53 Calories
Extra firm tofu (½ cup) - 10g Protein | 2g Carbs | 5g Fat | 93 Calories
Seasoning Tips for a Better Burrito Bowl
1. Season the Beans and Rice
If you're using plain cooked rice and canned beans, they're going to need a little love. Here's a quick fix:
Warm your black beans with a pinch of cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt.
Add a dash of lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor.
Sprinkle of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil into your rice or quinoa while still warm.
2. Spice It Up
For more heat, add:
Red pepper flakes
A dash of chipotle chili powder
Or a spoonful of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
3. Fresh Flavor Bombs
Toss your grape tomatoes, onion, and cilantro with a little lime and salt to make a quick pico-style topping.
If using avocado, mash it with lime and garlic for an easy guac-style topping.
4. Bonus Flavor Add-Ins (note this will add calories, so use sparingly)
A few pickled jalapeños
A spoonful of fire-roasted corn
A splash of hot sauce (like Cholula, Valentina, or Tapatío)
Crushed tortilla chips or pepitas for crunch
5. Keep Herbs Fresh
Don't forget that fresh herbs like cilantro are best added right before serving.
To keep them fresh all week:
Unbundle and soak in cold water with a splash of white vinegar for 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
Store in a paper towel–lined container or zip-top bag with a bit of airflow.
This method keeps your herbs vibrant and usable for up to 7 days.
Meal Prep Tips
Cook a batch of rice or quinoa and beans at the beginning of the week.
Keep fresh ingredients separate (avocado, salsa, tomatoes, onion, cilantro). Add them right before eating to avoid sogginess.
Reheat beans and rice together for 60–90 seconds, then top with the fresh stuff.
This also works great as a wrap filling if you’re tired of bowls.
Why It Works
Minimal prep. No cooking (if you batch cook rice). Zero excuses. This bowl gives you the nutrients you need without taking up headspace. It's endlessly customizable, naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (unless you add cheese or sour cream), and genuinely satisfying.
