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Cheap High Protein Meal Prep Bowls Under $3 Per Serving

Cheap High Protein Meal Prep Bowls Under $3 Per Serving


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey (93/7)
  • 2 cups Cooked Brown Rice (or 1 cup dry)
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups Frozen Bell Pepper and Onion mix
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup Water or Chicken Broth
  • 1 Lime, cut into wedges
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the Base Grain. Start by preparing your brown rice according to the package instructions. If you want to save even more time, use a rice cooker or an Instant Pot. For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of plain water. Once the rice is fluffy and fully cooked, set it aside to cool slightly before assembling the bowls. Using a whole grain like brown rice provides more fiber, which keeps you full longer than white rice.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Protein and Sauté Veggies. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Once the turkey is nearly cooked through, toss in the frozen bell peppers and onions. Sauté the mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes. The frozen vegetables will release some moisture, which helps deglaze the pan and keep the turkey juicy.
  3. Step 3: Season and Simmer. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the drained black beans, taco seasoning, and the water or chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices coat every ingredient. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and forms a light sauce. This step is crucial because it melds the flavors together and prevents the meal prep from tasting dry after a few days in the refrigerator.
  4. Step 4: Assemble the Meal Prep Bowls. Lay out four airtight meal prep containers. Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among the containers, placing it on one side. Spoon the turkey and bean mixture into the other side of each container. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top of each portion to brighten the flavors. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before sealing the lids and placing them in the fridge.
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes