This post has affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. All reviews are my own. No one’s giving me anything for free.
I’m not a food photographer. I’m not even sure you could say I cook well. However, my family LOVES Wednesdays. It feels like every extracurricular is on a Wednesday, so I’ve come up with a little dinner hack that they love…
Rice Bowls!!
It started when I realized we could go to our favorite burrito place after practice. Then I remembered that I can make all of that and skip a step, and I’m not spending $8 for my kid to eat a side of meat.
How I do it
Start slow cooker first thing in the morning. I’ll either make a barbacoa-like roast or chicken. Lately my son doesn’t like “the sauce” on the chicken (I only cook it in salsa and chicken stock) so barbacoa it is. I use slow cooker liners (affiliate link), for easy cleanup.
I use my instant pot to make my own beans, whether its black beans or pinto beans. Canned is fine. I just thought I’d be a homesteader who cans her own beans, and now I’m stuck with the consequences of my own actions.
When I get home, I make a pouch of goya yellow rice (affiliate link). I’ve tried to make my own. Don’t bother. The Goya rice is so good. I bought it in bulk somewhere. If you find it, let me know.
We have so many of the black rectangular take out containers. I swear they multiply. I put out some for each member of the family, and one extra for my lunch the next day. I split up the rice, put in a scoop or two of beans, and then split up the meat. Also, you’ll see a lunch container? That’s because my son doesn’t like his food touching and he’s still day to day on whether he’ll eat the rice or beans.
Extras that sometimes I remember to add- Fajita vegetables- I use the griddle and cut up peppers and onions. I season with cumin, salt and pepper because I am lazy and not a good cook. Cheese- It will melt on top. So good.
Pack in insulated shopping bag. We happen to have a doordash bag I got for free. I also keep plastic silverware in my car, otherwise, you should pack it.
There you have it. Easy packable dinner. If it gets a little cold, it’s not a big deal. We also have done this with hibachi leftovers, but my husband makes that rice (again, can I cook without a box?), so I’ll need to get directions from him.
