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Poor Man's Burrito Bowls

This recipe offers a practical and economical approach to crafting flavorful burrito bowls. It combines pre-cooked rice with seasoned black beans, salsa, cheese, and fresh green onions for a wholesome, customizable meal. Ideal for bulk preparation, it provides convenient and satisfying portions for the week.
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 people
Calories 3433.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Spatula or Large Spoon For mixing ingredients

Ingredients
  

Main

  • * 6 cup cooked rice $1.04
  • * 2 cup black bean* $0.60
  • * 1/2 tsp cumin $0.05
  • * 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
  • * salt to taste $0.02
  • * 2 cup salsa $1.59
  • * 6 oz shredded cheese cheddar or pepper jack $1.88
  • * 1 bunch green onion $0.75

Instructions
 

  • Ensure rice is cooked and cooled to room temperature if preparing in advance.
  • If using canned black beans, rinse them thoroughly under cold water in a colander and drain well.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and the rinsed, drained black beans.
  • Add the cumin, garlic powder, and salt to the rice and bean mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon to distribute the spices evenly.
  • Finely chop the green onions. Reserve some for garnish if desired.
  • Stir in the salsa until all ingredients are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • To assemble, portion the mixture into individual serving bowls.
  • Top each bowl generously with shredded cheese.
  • Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions.
  • Serve immediately or portion into airtight containers for convenient meal prep throughout the week.

Notes

1. To elevate the flavor profile, lightly toast the cumin in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to bloom its aromatic compounds. 2. For canned black beans, always rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve texture. 3. Adjust salt and spices to your preference; a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the overall taste significantly. 4. For meal prepping, store cheese and green onions separately to maintain freshness and texture until serving. 5. If preparing rice fresh, ensure it's cooled to room temperature before mixing to prevent the entire dish from becoming mushy.