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Cheese, beans, rice, salsa, and guacamole- nothing is missing from these burrito bowls, and they make a delicious, hearty lunch everyone will enjoy.
Burrito Bowls for School Lunch
I love to make my own burrito bowls at home because I can prep ahead for when we need a quick and easy meal. Cook your rice, wash the beans, and chop any additional toppings. Refrigerate the ingredients until you are ready to assemble! Mealtime doesn’t get any easier than that.
You can also do the “cook once, eat twice method” and use up any taco night leftovers like taco meat, cheese, sour cream, and salsa for this epic teen lunch. Nothing goes to waste, and you get a whole new recipe from leftovers!
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Ingredients
Below, you’ll find everything you need to assemble these delicious burrito bowls. Check the recipe card for exact measurements or swap in your favorite toppings to make it your own!
- Cooked rice: use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for an easy way to make this bowl low-carb!
- Shredded cooked chicken: this is a great way to use up any leftover rotisserie chicken! You can also swap in shredded beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Salsa: gives fantastic texture and flavor. For younger kids, a milder salsa works well, or just leave it out if they're not into it.
- Canned black beans: make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the bowl. Pinto beans or chickpeas are excellent substitutes.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: my teens are all about cheddar, but you can use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
- Guacamole: store-bought or homemade, guacamole is always creamy and amazing! You can swap for sliced avocado if you prefer.
- Sour cream: smooth and rich. greek yogurt is a great alternative for something a bit lighter and healthier.
How to Pack Burrito Bowls for Lunch
Burrito bowls are customizable and, therefore, a popular meal option with the kids. You can pack them in a regular lunch container or thermos if you want to keep all the ingredients warm. Here’s how:
- Make your Layers
In a lunch or thermos container, add a layer of hot rice. Top with reheated corn, beans, taco meat, and any additional veggies. - Add the Goods
Top the burrito bowl with salsa and cheese. Seal the container. - Don’t forget the Guac!
Pack any sour cream or guacamole in mini sauce containers and send with the burrito bowls to be added just before eating.
School Lunchbox Burrito Packing Tips
Follow these simple tips to pack burrito bowls like a pro so they stay fresh and delicious until it’s time to dig in!:
Use the right container
I recommend using a hard lunch container with compartments to keep ingredients separate until you want to mix them for the freshest taste! If you plan on eating this hot, a lunch thermos will be your best bet for keeping everything warm longer.
Keep cold items separate
Pack guacamole and sour cream in mini dip containers to prevent them from making the rice soggy. Wait to add these until just before eating for the freshest taste.
Keep it safe to eat
Use an ice pack in the lunch bag to keep the guacamole and sour cream at a safe temperature.
Don't forget utensils
A sturdy fork or spoon is essential. You might also want to include a napkin or two because these bowls can get a little messy-in the best way!
What are some toppings and ingredients you’d like to try in these homemade burrito bowls?
Lunch Box Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
For the bowls:
- 1 cup cooked rice*
- ½ cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 oz salsa
Toppings:
- 2.5 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ – ⅛ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ¼ – ⅛ cup guacamole
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
Instructions
To enjoy at home:
- Fill a serving bowl with cooked rice, top with shredded chicken, salsa, and desired toppings.
To pack for lunch:
- Layer the cooked rice into a thermos or lunch container. Top with chicken, salsa, and cheese.
- Pack the guacamole and sour cream into separate mini sauce containers to be added to the bowls prior to eating.
Lisa Taylor says
Love at first sight, when i saw your rice cooker in the video. So, of course, I spent a little time researching and found the one I wanted. So I see these yummy burrito bowls on our menu for Friday. :)
Harmony, Momma To Go says
that is such a good idea! I have found that “bowls” are my go to for whenever dinner is just a big ol’ dump everything on top of rice night! (i use trader joes frozen rice so easy!)
Emilie Hebert says
We love bowls, too! It makes dinner so much easier.