zakmac
Recipe Snapshot
- 🍽️ Serves: 4
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes
- 💰 Cost Estimate: **$2.25** per serving
Clever Tip:
Cook a large batch of rice (Strategy 1 from our Meal Prep Guide!) on Sunday and use it as the base for these bowls to cut the cook time down to just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 tbsp **Olive Oil**
- ▢ 1 medium **Bell Pepper**, diced (any color) (approx. $0.50)
- ▢ 8 **Large Eggs** (approx. $1.50)
- ▢ ½ tsp **Chili Powder**
- ▢ 1 (15 oz) can **Black Beans**, rinsed and drained (approx. $0.80)
- ▢ 2 cups **Cooked Rice** (Brown or White) (approx. $0.50)
- ▢ ½ cup **Salsa** (mild or medium) (approx. $0.75)
- ▢ ½ cup **Shredded Cheese** (Cheddar or Monterey Jack) (approx. $1.00)
- ▢ **Salt** and **Black Pepper** to taste
*Ingredient costs are estimated based on bulk purchasing and typical grocery prices, and may vary.
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and sauté for 5–7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside in a bowl.
- Cook Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with chili powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the egg mixture into the same skillet (no need to clean it) and scramble over medium heat until just cooked through and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four freezer-safe meal prep containers. On top of the rice in each container, arrange a quarter of the scrambled eggs, a quarter of the rinsed black beans, and a quarter of the sautéed bell peppers.
- Add Toppings: Top each bowl with a generous dollop of salsa and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. (These can be added before freezing as they thaw and reheat well).
- Cool Completely: Allow the assembled bowls to cool down completely to room temperature before covering them with airtight lids. This prevents condensation and ice crystal formation when freezing.
Meal Prep Notes (Freezing & Reheating)
- Freezing: Store the cooled, covered bowls in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ensure your containers are specifically labeled as freezer-safe.
- Reheating: To reheat, remove the lid (or replace with a microwave-safe lid if freezing with plastic wrap). Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway, until the contents are piping hot. If desired, add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry after reheating.
- Optional Fresh Toppings: For extra freshness after reheating, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a slice of avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro!
