22 Bowl Recipes for Busy Weeknights
These 22 Bowl Recipes are fast, flexible, full of flavor, and just what you need to make weeknight dinners feel fresh again. With options from Mexican to Mediterranean and even breakfast bowls, there's something here for everyone.
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When dinner needs to be fast but still feels fun, bowl recipes are my go-to. They're perfect for using up what's in the fridge, and everyone can build their own just the way they like it. Picky eaters included. Think sushi bowls on Monday, taco bowls on Tuesday, and sweet potato bowls when you need a clean-out-the-fridge kind of night. These meals are big on flavor, low on effort, and most come together in 30 minutes or less!
Asian Bowl Recipes
Easy Sushi Bowls (Build Your Own)
Build your own Sushi Bowls at home with this quick, easy, and healthy recipe! Seasoned sushi rice is topped with crunchy vegetables, avocado, nori, and your choice of protein. Drizzle homemade spicy mayo over top for an affordable meal that hits the spot whenever you’re craving sushi!
Sweet Chili Pork and Rice Bowl
This Sweet Chili Pork and Rice Bowl is a weeknight winner. Packed with flavor, lean protein, and loads of veggies, it's easy to make and so delicious!
Teriyaki Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Quinoa Bowls made with chicken breast, tons of vegetables, and homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve it over quinoa or swap in favorite grain for a quick and healthy meal or meal prep.
Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls
Chili Lime Chicken Bowls with Cucumber Avocado Salsa is the perfect balance of bold, zesty flavors and cool, refreshing crunch. Ready in 30 minutes, packed with protein, and great for an easy dinner or meal prep.
Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls
These Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls are a quick, flavor-packed meal featuring honey-soy glazed salmon bites, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep!
High Protein Chicken Buddha Bowl
These High-Protein Buddha Bowls with Chicken are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making them my go-to for a healthy, satisfying meal that's easy to make any day of the week.
Mexican Bowl Recipes
Chicken Taco Bowl
These Chicken Taco Bowls are the best easy dinner or meal prep lunch! Packed with seasoned chicken, rice, black beans, and all your favorite taco toppings. Ready in 30 minutes!
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowl
Mexican Street Corn Taco Bowl are made with juicy taco-seasoned chicken, smoky street corn, and fun toppings. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Chipotle Ranch Chicken Bowls
These Chipotle Ranch Chicken Bowls are an easy meal packed with juicy chicken, whole grains, black beans, tons of fresh veggies, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing that doubles as a marinade and sauce. They are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Chicken Fajita Bowls
These easy Chicken Fajita Bowls are the perfect rice bowl recipe for a quick dinner or week of meal prep. Packed with seasoned chicken, peppers, onions, and corn served over rice with all the best toppings. These bowls are high in protein, healthy, and super versatile.
Southwest Steak Bowls
Tender and delicious Southwest Steak Bowls with perfectly cooked steak, black bean and corn salsa, cilantro, steamed rice, and the most delicious cilantro lime dressing. Quick, easy, and healthy!
Mediterranean Bowl Recipes
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl packed with fluffy quinoa, tons of fresh veggies, feta cheese, black olives, and the best hummus dressing is easy to make, healthy, and delicious.
Chicken Kofta Bowls
These healthy Chicken Kofta Bowls are an easy 20-minute recipe that takes all the flavors of a traditional Kofta kebab and combines them in an easy-to-prepare bowl. The chicken really soaks up the spices, giving it a delicious flavor!
American Bowl Recipes
BBQ Chicken Bowl
These BBQ Chicken Bowls are an easy, no-fuss dinner that brings together juicy chicken, homemade corn slaw, and all your favorite BBQ flavors in just under 45 minutes.
Burger Bowls
Healthy Burger Bowls come together in less than 15 minutes with perfectly seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, and the best homemade special sauce.
Blackened Shrimp Bowls
Blackened Shrimp Bowls will send you on a trip to the tropics with their bold, zesty, and fresh flavors. Juicy, spiced shrimp paired with sweet mango salsa, creamy avocado, and hearty rice make this a filling meal you’ll want to keep on repeat!
Southwest Steak Bowls
Tender and delicious Southwest Steak Bowls with perfectly cooked steak, black bean and corn salsa, cilantro, steamed rice, and the most delicious cilantro lime dressing. Quick, easy, and healthy!
Vegetarian Bowl Recipes
Vermicelli Noodle Bowls
These Vermicelli Noodle Bowls made with sweet chili chicken, tender rice noodles, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts is an easy 20-minute dinner and perfect for meal prep! Healthy, delicious, and versatile.
Vegan Ground Beef Burrito Bowls (with Impossible Meat)
These Vegan Ground Beef Burrito Bowls are made with Impossible Meat, cilantro lime rice, avocado corn salsa, and tons of delicious toppings!
Breakfast Burrito Bowl
These Breakfast Burrito Bowls are packed with scrambled eggs, seasoned ground turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, and more for a filling and nutritious breakfast. Great for meal prep!
Vegetarian Sushi Bowls
Make these easy Vegetarian Sushi Bowls for a quick meal inspired by veggie sushi rolls. Super crispy baked tofu served over sushi rice with fresh vegetables, edamame, and the best spicy Sriracha mayo.
Sweet Potato Bowls
Hearty and nutritious Sweet Potato Bowls made on a single sheet pan in just 30 minutes! Made with tender roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, black beans, and corn all served over brown rice and topped with cilantro, avocado, and a delicious creamy sauce.
Best Sauces for Bowls
No one wants a dry bowl! Here are some of my favorite sauces to drizzle over these bowls to add flavor:
- Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Homemade Peanut Sauce
- Homemade Taco Sauce
- Homemade Ranchero Sauce
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
- Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- The Best Skinny Ranch
- Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
How to Prep Bowls for the Week
Here are some simple tips for meal-prepping bowls to enjoy throughout the week:
- Batch roast your veggies: Roast a big tray (or two) of sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, or whatever you have on hand. Let them cool completely before storing to keep them from getting mushy.
- Prep a grain (or two): Cook a large batch of rice, quinoa, or farro and portion it into containers. It's your bowl base and reheats like a champ!
- Keep sauces separate: Store dressings and sauces in small containers or jars to keep things fresh and avoid soggy ingredients.
- Use hearty greens: If adding greens, go for kale, spinach, or cabbage. They hold up better than tender lettuces during the week.
- Mix up your proteins: Roast chickpeas, grill some chicken, or boil eggs ahead of time so you've got variety ready to go.
- Don't assemble everything at once: Layer ingredients in containers, but keep delicate items like avocado or herbs separate until just before eating.
- Label and rotate: Date your containers and eat the oldest ones first to avoid waste. Bonus points for a sticky note with what sauce goes where!
Simple Swaps for Bowls
Bowls are the ultimate flexible meal, whether you're feeding picky eaters, sticking to a budget, or just using up what's in your fridge. Here are some easy swap ideas to make your bowls work for everyone:
- Budget-friendly: Use canned beans, frozen veggies, or leftover roasted vegetables. Brown rice and lentils are affordable, hearty options that go a long way.
- Kid-friendly: Keep it simple with familiar ingredients like sweet potato, shredded cheese, plain chicken, or a drizzle of ranch. Let kids build their own bowl to give them some choice (and maybe a little fun!).
- Low-carb option: Skip the grains and use cauliflower rice or chopped greens as your base. Roasted zucchini or mushrooms also add great texture.
- Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, crispy tofu, or even a scoop of hummus to boost the protein and keep you full longer.