Lentil & Bean Grain Bowl
A hearty, plant-based bowl packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a no-fuss, affordable meal. This mexican-inspired breakfast ready in about 15 minutes combines cooked brown rice, cooked lentils, cooked black beans into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, lentils, black beans, corn, cilantro, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and cumin. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 2: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lentil & Bean Grain Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Lentil & Bean Grain Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lentil & Bean Grain Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lentil & Bean Grain Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lentil & Bean Grain Bowl?
Mexican breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Perfect breakfast recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
