Attention, busy home cooks! Are you tired of bland, time-consuming meals that leave you feeling uninspired? Well, hold onto your aprons, because I’ve got a game-changer for you: Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars. This delicious, nutrient-packed dish is the perfect solution for your hectic weeknights. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying, microwave-ready meal that will make you the envy of the office (or your couch!).
Why You’ll Love This Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars
These meal prep jars are a busy cook’s dream come true. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling full and energized. Plus, the grab-and-go convenience means you can enjoy a hot, homemade meal even on your busiest days. Get ready to say goodbye to sad desk lunches and hello to a cozy, comfort-in-a-jar experience.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
To make these savory quinoa and black bean meal prep jars, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and a flavorful blend of spices. The best part? These are all pantry and fridge staples, so you can whip them up without a trip to the grocery store.
- 1/2 cup – Cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup – Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup – Diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup – Diced bell pepper
- 2 tbsp – Diced onion
- 1 clove – Minced garlic
- 1 tsp – Chili powder
- 1/2 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp – Dried oregano
Ingredient Substitutions
- Black Beans: Swap in kidney or pinto beans for a slightly different flavor (still packed with protein and fiber).
- Bell Peppers: No peppers? No problem! Try diced zucchini or carrots instead.
How to Make Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars
Alright, let’s get cooking! This savory meal comes together in a snap with just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package instructions. While that’s happening, dice up your bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Drain and rinse your black beans, and gather all your spices.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and sauté for a few more minutes. Then, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Let the flavors meld together for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Assemble Meal Prep Jars
To assemble your meal prep jars, simply layer the quinoa, black bean mixture, and any other toppings you desire (like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro) into wide-mouth mason jars. Screw on the lids and you’re good to go!
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the black bean mixture for a little extra zing.
- Topping Swap: Try roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a flavor twist.
- Use Canned Quinoa: Save time by using pre-cooked canned quinoa instead of cooking it from scratch.
- Customize with Leftovers: These meal prep jars are the perfect canvas for using up any extra veggies or grains you have in the fridge.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A side of avocado slices, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage: These Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the quinoa and black bean mixture for up to 3 months.
Microwave Reheat: Simply remove the lid, give the jar a stir, and heat in 30-second intervals until piping hot.
Make-Ahead: These jars are designed to be your new best friend on busy weeknights. Whip up a batch over the weekend and enjoy hot, homemade meals all week long.
Nutrition Info
Each serving of these Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars is packed with approximately 350 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fiber. That’s a nutritious, filling meal that will keep you fueled and satisfied all afternoon long.
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
FAQs
How long do these meal prep jars last in the fridge?
These jars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze these meal prep jars?
Absolutely! The quinoa and black bean mixture freezes beautifully. Simply portion it into jars or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Do I need to heat these jars before eating?
Nope! These jars are designed to be enjoyed either chilled or warmed up in the microwave for a quick, satisfying meal.
Can I use canned quinoa instead of cooking it from scratch?
Yes, you can definitely use canned or pre-cooked quinoa to save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before assembling your jars.
What’s the best way to reheat these meal prep jars?
The microwave is your best friend here. Simply remove the lid, give the jar a stir, and heat in 30-second intervals until piping hot.
Try These Next
- Savory Chicken Quinoa Meal Prep Jars
- Savory Chicken And Vegetable Meal Prep Jars
- Savory Chicken And Rice Meal Prep Jars
Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Meal Prep Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Quinoa and Black Bean Meal Prep Jars are a nutritious and delicious option for meal prep, packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let cool.
5. Combine quinoa with the black bean mixture and mix well.
6. Divide the mixture into meal prep jars and top with diced avocado and lime juice.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg