Mexican Burrito Bowl
If you’re busy like myself, then the last thing you want to do after a long day is spend time in the kitchen cooking!
One-pan-easy recipes offer several benefits that make them popular among families! Here are some of the advantages:
Time-saving: One of the most significant advantages of one-pan recipes is the time they save. With only one pan to clean, there’s less time spent on prepping and washing dishes. This makes them ideal for busy individuals or those with tight schedules.
Simple Preparation: One-pan recipes are often designed to be straightforward and require minimal preparation. This simplicity can be especially appealing for beginner cooks or those who want a quick and easy meal without the hassle of multiple steps.
Fewer Ingredients: Many one-pan recipes use a limited number of ingredients. This not only makes the preparation process easier but also reduces the need for a long shopping list. It’s a convenient option for people who want to whip up a meal without needing to buy a variety of items.
Versatility: One-pan recipes are versatile and can accommodate various ingredients and flavours. You can easily customise them based on your preferences or the ingredients you have available. This flexibility makes them adaptable to different dietary restrictions and preferences.
Even Cooking: Cooking everything in one pan allows for an even distribution of flavours and heat. This can result in well-balanced and delicious meals.
Reduced Cleanup: The most obvious benefit is the reduction in dishes and cleanup time. Since you’re using only one pan, there’s less to wash, making cleanup a breeze. This is particularly appealing to those who dislike spending too much time on post-cooking chores.
Portion Control: One-pan recipes often provide built-in portion control. Since the entire meal is prepared in a single pan, it’s easier to manage serving sizes. This can be helpful for those who are conscious of their calorie intake or want to avoid overeating.
Meal Planning: One-pan recipes can be convenient for meal planning. You can prepare multiple servings at once and store leftovers for later. This is helpful for individuals or families looking to save time on future meals.
Experimentation: With the simplicity and versatility of one-pan recipes, it’s easy to experiment with different flavour combinations and ingredients. This can be a fun way to discover new and delicious meals without a lot of effort.
Overall, one-pan recipes offer a practical and efficient way to prepare meals, making them a popular choice for a wide range of home cooks.
So enjoy this easy one-pot dietitian-approved meal!
You might have noticed I use Basmati rice, and this is because basmati rice offers several benefits, including its aromatic flavour, long-grain and fluffy texture, versatility in various dishes, low fat and gluten-free nature, low to medium glycemic index, modest nutrient content, ease of digestion, and cultural culinary appeal. Additionally, quality standards and a longer shelf life contribute to its popularity as a staple in many traditional cuisines.
VEGETARIAN OPTION: If you prefer not to eat animal meat, do not fear! You can substitute the mince meat for equal parts textured vegetable protein (TVP), which is a great alternative as it is high in iron, fibre and protein! I would add in the absorbed TVP after the rice is cooked.
How to make a Mexican burrito Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped red capsicum
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 500g lean beef, turkey or chicken mince
- 1/3 cup medium spice salsa
- 400g can of black beans (rinsed)
- 400g can of corn (rinsed)
- 400g can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of basmati rice
- 1 tbsp reduced sodium taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 2 cups of vegetable/beef/chicken stock
- 1 cup of low-fat/light shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Saute the capsicum and onions. Add in the mince meat and cook till brown.
- Stir in the salsa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, rice, taco seasoning and chilli powder. Pour in the stock and then bring to a light boil. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 15-20 minutes (or until the rice is cooked).
- Add salt and pepper to taste and top with cheese.
- Plate up and enjoy!
Prep and cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves 6
Calories per serve: 470
Protein per serve: 31g
