Sausage Fajita Meal Prep Bowls

Sausage Fajita Meal Prep Bowls

These delicious and hearty bowls are perfect for meal prep! They’re packed with flavor and come together quickly, making them ideal for busy weekdays.

Ingredients (for 4 bowls):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage links (casings removed)
• 3 bell peppers (any color combination you like)
• 1 large onion
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa (or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream

Cooking Guide:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and slice bell peppers and onion into strips.
2. Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Veggies: Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Season with fajita seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), and cumin (if using). Saute for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are softened and slightly browned.
4. Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four meal prep containers. Top with sausage and vegetable mixture, then black beans, and shredded cheese.
5. Store or Serve: If serving immediately, garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. For meal prep, store bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips:

• To save time, you can use pre-washed and chopped vegetables.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to your desired spice level.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and increase the amount of black beans.
• When reheating, be sure the sausage and vegetables are heated through. You can add a tablespoon of water or salsa to the bowls before reheating to prevent them from drying out.
• Get creative with your toppings! Other options include chopped tomatoes, guacamole, or hot sauce.