Take an hour and make these delicious meal prep carnitas burrito bowls so that you can have an easy on-the-go meal ready during the week!
The last time I went to Europe I was in college; it was the year 2009. Lin and I took a summer course together in Florence for 4 weeks. We joke that Italy is where we fell in love. 😛 But really- it’s where we got to know each other REALLY well. At this point in my life, I was pre-eating disorder (you can read my story here)…actually I think I was in full swing. I cared wayyyy too much about trying to fit a workout in before class and making sure I had healthy options to eat instead of simply experiencing the Italian culture. While I wasn’t restricting big time (like I started to do a few months later), I was having negative body image thoughts and food/fitness was consuming my every thought.
Looking back I shake my head and think that I missed such an amazing opportunity to be young and free in a foreign country, but I wouldn’t take it back for a second. I learned a lot about myself that trip and the months/years following that. I learned a lot about self-love, what makes me happy and why, and how to be present. It’s fun to reminisce with Lin about how far we’ve both come in life and the fact we’ve known each other for 9 years! Yup- Lin was Team Fit Foodie before it even existed.
There are so many things I am going to do differently this time around in Europe, like drink really good wine…every night, order what the locals do, stay up late, not worry about working out every damn day, EXPLORE, and just be young…damn it. I feel like my early 20’s were a little bit skewed because of my disordered eating and poor relationship with exercise and food. I am in such a better place right now and I actually know what FUN and HAPPINESS feel like. SO WATCH OUT EUROPE….12 days and counting!
BOWLS BOWLS BOWLS.
People ask me what I eat on the daily, and it’s pretty much a rendition of the same thing every day. A BUDDHA BOWL!
Everything you need for a buddha bowl
- PROTEIN
- VEGGIES
- WHOLE GRAINS
- HEALTHY FATS
Boom chicka boom. The only thing I’m really going to miss while I’m in Europe (okay, Lin…you too!), is my daily bowl of goodness. Especially this recipe in particular. It’s got all my favs.
It’s been a while since I made anything with pork and a few weeks ago, when I was in Milwaukee, I had the most amazing taco + street corn salad combo from a food truck called Gypsy Taco, which is actually the inspiration for this bowl! SO MANY FLAVORS IN ONE BITE.
In this particular recipe, I brought back a FFF fav- Cilantro Lime Brown Rice! You can’t go wrong with that addition. And- because you can never have too many greens, I served it on top of some crunchy romaine!
Meal Prep Carnitas Burrito Bowls
Take an hour and make these delicious meal prep carnitas burrito bowls so that you can have an easy on-the-go meal ready during the week!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
For the Carnitas
- 1 pound pork loin or butt (option to use chicken breast instead)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup green chiles
For the Street Corn
- 1 can yellow sweet corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, fresh
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
Other Ingredients
- Black beans
- 4-8 cups Romaine
- Lime wedges
Instructions
For the Carnitas
- Place about 2 tablespoons of olive on the bottom of a large pan. Heat to medium/high heat. Sear pork on all sides.
- Transfer seared pork into your slow cooker and add a little more olive oil and garlic. Turn heat to low and cook for 6-8 hours*. Once pork is tender, remove and shred with 2 forks. Place shredded pork and about 1/4 cup – 1/3 cup of the juice from the slow cooker into a large bowl and add the rest of the carnitas ingredients and mix.
For the Street Corn
- Mix together all ingredients in a medium-size bowl.
For the Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
To Assemble Bowls
- Place about 2 cups of romaine lettuce on the bottom of your bowl. Then add 1/4 of the meat (4 oz.), about 3/4 cup cilantro lime brown rice, 1/2 cup street corn, and 1/4 cup black beans.
- Serve with fresh lime and more cotija!
Notes
*we recommend cooking for 6-8 hours on low for tender pork, however, if you are in a rush you can cook the pork on high for 2-4 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4
- Calories: 407
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 32
Lindsey Bomgren says
I testify, this bowl is bomb.com, especially with a side of Way Better Snacks chips! Thanks so much for sharing this deliciousness with me yesterday! Safe travels!
★★★★★
ACKTIVE LIFE says
LOOK so yummy! Mexican food all the time all summer long!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
Yum! These looks delicious. I love that there’s beans and meat in this to up the protein factor. I’m trying to add more to my diet.
Leigh says
This looks so delicious! I am in eating disorder recovery right now and I love how your bowls always have all of the components of my meal plan in them! They make me feel a little bit more like I am eating like a healthy person instead of following a rigid plan! Thanks for the recipe!
Lee Hersh says
<3 this makes me so happy! Gotta get dat protein, whole grain, healthy fats, and veggies!
Laura Rose says
This carnita bowl is crazzzzzzzy good — I agree with Lindsey, made these last week and I had to come back and comment on how delish they were. Ate them for lunch like a week straight, I swear lol.
★★★★★
Lee Hersh says
Made them again last night!!! So glad you loved them 🙂
Todd says
So, I saw this over the weekend and said, “Wow, this BOWL looks delicious!” and subsequently made my first meal prep evah on Sunday.
I made 5 days worth along with the cilantro brown rice and let me tell you this is fantastic! I’m not organized so it took more than an hour, but next time will be easier. Great spices and filled me up.
Now I can’t wait to try your BALLS!
Lee Hersh says
WOOHOO!!! I am so glad you loved this meal. Believe me in 5 days you will be so happy that you don’t have to prep any dinner 🙂
Anna says
Seriously this is a very healthy recipe and we should try it. I am sure the taste will be also good and refreshing. Thanks
★★★★★
Crystal says
So delicious! And very easy too!
★★★★★
Amanda Taylor says
I was wondering if you could freeze these? Would they be after defrosting them?
Lee Hersh says
Hi Amanda! I’ve never tried freezing these, but I don’t see why not! Throw them in individual glass/tupperware and top it with a piece of plastic wrap and press it down onto the food to prevent freezer burn before putting the top on. If you do it- please comment back and let us know how it went!
Vieno Mounivong says
Hi, for the slow cooker part, what do you use for the liquid? Because it says just add the pork loin and minced garlic in there and there’s no liquid to add in there. Wouldn’t it be dry?
Lee Hersh says
Hiyah! You can add a little olive oil, but the pork will give off a lot of liquid itself!
Sherri says
When using chicken dip you use any liquids in the crock pot?
Lee Hersh says
I’d use a little olive oil!
Rebecca says
I did freeze them and they tasted just as good as the fresh ones. I didn’t do anything special, just froze them in Tupperware. I did eat them within a week of freezing them.
Nicole grassey says
Would this recipe work with chicken instead of pork? Would I need to alter the recipe at all?
Lee Hersh says
It absolutely would! I’ve actually made it that way before. Just monitor your chicken in your slow cooker. When I cook chicken on high in mine, it usually only needs about an hour and a half!
Tami says
If you meal prep these for the week, how do you hear up just the meat? Do you just eat it cold?
Lee Hersh says
I’ve eaten it cold and I’ve also stuck the entire thing in the microwave. Just depends on how you like it!
Tiffany@yumamifood.com says
This looks like a great easy and delicious recipe! Going to try this with some avocado or guacamole on top.
★★★★★
Kim says
Do you know how many calories are in this?
Alyssa says
This was so delicious! I rarely stray from chicken and don’t have much experience cooking pork so this was a great trial recipe for me. It came out SOOO delicious!
And bonus: it was so easy to make. we are in the midst of a kitchen renovation and i managed to make this in my living room 🙂
Thanks for the delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Lee Hersh says
Woohoo! I’m so glad everyone loved it 🙂
Stephanie says
Hi! These meal prep bowls looks absolutely delicious. I’m in recovery from an eating disorder as well, and it helps so much to find healthy, delicious recipes and to hear from others like me. Thanks for doing what you do!
One question: would you pack the lettuce separately so it doesn’t wilt when you heat the bowl up for lunch? I hate soggy lettuce, but I’m also a lazy girl. (I’m asking because this recipe is for meal prep.)
★★★★★
Lee Hersh says
Hiyah! I prefer to heat everything but the lettuce. I’m with you….soggy lettuce is gross. So yes, pack it seperate!!
Vanessa Parshall says
Do you just throw all the seasonings, green chiles, lime juice, and garlic in with the pork loin and cook on low 6-8hrs?
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
Sooooo, I gotta tell you, I don’t know what in the world took me so long to make these, because they’re like the best lunch ever! I made these last week and my hubby and I had them all week. He even requested I make them again next week!
Legit one of the best recipes for lunches, these carnita bowls are amazing!
Lee Hersh says
YAS!!!!! I am so glad you guys loved them <3 Meal prep is such a life saver especially for busy people like us!!!!!! Will be in MKE first weekend in Nov. LET'S GET TOGETHER YAYAYA?!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
Meal prep is definitely a life saver. I’ve found that if I don’t like the recipe though, I dread lunch lol. But this recipe = AMAZING!
YES YES YES, lets get together, it would be a true travesty to not hang out!!! I love MKE and am always thinking ‘gah we need to meet up!’!! We shall chat, but we’re free that weekend 🙂
stephanie says
Any chance you know the nutritional info like callories and carbs?
Luke says
see my comment below, pretty sure the nutrional info is wrong
Emily McCormick says
Does anyone know the nutrition info on this? Making them tonight.. yum!
Brittany says
I know the recipe says just loin and garlic into the crock pot but, do you out water in it or anything or does it really go in dry? And the other ingredients , like the chilies, don’t get cooked at all just mixed in after? Thanks!
Lee Hersh says
That is all correct! The meat will create moisture, so no need to add water! Mix everything else in after!
Rachel Gianatasio says
My meat didn’t create enough moisture :/ The outside was totally burnt and the inside of the pot was super charred. I still have some useable meat, but it definitely needed something else for moisture.
Jackie says
This was delicious and super easy to make, and I’m looking forward to actually having a lunch to bring to work for a few days this week. I could also see myself making the street corn as a side to other dishes I make. So tasty! We don’t have cotija cheese at my grocery store though, so I substituted with Feta cheese (I have no idea how similar they are, but it still tasted well).
★★★★★
Lee Hersh says
Seriously the best meal prep recipe EVER! So flavorful and easy to make. Glad you loved it!
Krystal says
Sorry, maybe it is here in the comments, but the serving size, is that 1/4c or a 1/4 of the recipe is a serving?
Lee Hersh says
1/4 of the recipe! Basically just stating that you make 4 servings out of this recipe.
Liz says
This recipe looks so good but I don’t have a slow cooker! 🙁 How can the meat be cooked instead?
Lee Hersh says
NOOOOOOOO! You could try slow roasting your meat or even boiling. YOU NEED A SLOW COOKER.
Sam says
This is amazing!!!! Love every part about it!
Elizabeth Nance says
First recipe I tried with my new slow cooker! Loved it!
Erin Patrick says
I tried to make these tonight but after the two hours, the meat was really tough. I couldn’t even shread it. I decided to put it back in the crockpot for a little longer but any thoughts on why it would be so tough?
Tammy Frank says
you have to cook the the pork for a total of 8-10 hours, cook the on high for 2 hours then turn the cooker to low.
Jenna says
This recipe is great, but the nutrition info listed here is totally different than the math I did on my own. I substituted chicken breast, which has less calories than pork loin and after calculating all of the calories of the ingredients I used, with all of correct amounts to use listed in the recipe, the calories come out to 594 per serving when divided into 4. I would totally make this again, just make sure to do your own math on the ingredients you use so you know how much your eating.
★★★★
Lee Hersh says
Hey Jenna! Thanks for sharing your concern. I think the issue with nutrition information is that everyone uses different brands, so inevitably there will be different numbers at the end!
Brandi says
Hey! I want to try this! When you say green chilies, where can I find them? Canned or fresh? Thanks
Lee Hersh says
Canned! You can find them in the Mexican section!
Rebecca says
I just made this pork tonight because it looked really good. The only issue I have is it’s really tough, so next time I make it I’ll add the seasonings and maybe some water in with it. I did take the temp to make sure it was cooked and not overcooked. Overall good flavor tho! My phone won’t let me leave a star rating less than 5, but I’d give it 4 stars since it was tough.
★★★★★
Brooke Jones says
So the pork & garlic won’t burn in the crockpot alone right? Feels weird not adding liquid. Am I reading this correctly?
Lee Hersh says
Hey Brooke! The pork creates a ton of moisture on it’s own, so you will find that when you open up the crock pot there will be liquid. TRUST ME.
Mariel Serrano says
Hi Lee. Is the Nutritional Info you listed just for the Carnitas bowl (including the corn and beans), or does that include the Cilantro Brown Rice as well? Thanks!
★★★★★
Kristyn @ Beyoutifully Healthy says
Looks so good, thanks!!
Carol says
What size container do you use for these? I’m looking for a good container for meal prepping lunches but don’t know what is the best size to go with.
Robin says
How long does this stay good for? I want to make these for lunch for all week…should i put the items separate (surely at least the lettuce) or can i bowl it up and take it to work as is once?
Lee Hersh says
Hey Robin! This will stay good for 4-5 days. I like to seperate everything out into meals just like the photos!
Karissa Roman says
Hi! So I’m really excited to try this recipe! I’m going to start meal prepping it tomorrow, but I am going to sub chicken for the pork loin. I was wondering, can I put the chicken breasts in frozen? Or do I need to thaw them before I put them in? Also, how much time would I leave it in for both options and which settings on the crock pot? Look forward to hearing from you! Thanks!
Karissa says
Sorry if this is a repeat comment, but I posted a comment on my phone, and went to print the recipe on my computer and noticed my comment isn’t showing up! Im so excited to try this recipe! Im going to start meal prepping it tomorrow, but I am going to sub chicken for the pork loin. I was wondering, can i put the chicken breasts in frozen? Or do i need to thaw them before i put them in? Also, how much time would I leave it in for both options and which settings on the crock pot?
Lee Hersh says
HIyah! I have actually never put chicken in the crock pot frozen. I would recommend thawing it first!
Metra says
I’m looking to cook the pork in the instant pot..any additional liquids I should add? I recently got one and haven’t used it yet!
Thanks,
Metra
Lee Hersh says
Hey Metra! We just got an Insta Pot and this will be the first recipe we test in it! I’ll report back 😀
Michelle says
Thanks for sharing this! It gave that extra excitement to a healthier lunch.
Cortney says
Hi! Should I put any sort of liquid in with the chicken? And about how long? I have a smaller crock pot and can fit about 2 large chicken breasts in it. Thank you!!
Lee Hersh says
Hey Cortney! I usually cook my chicken with no liquid, but you are more than welcome to add a splash of water or broth!
Ashley says
Just wondering if the nutrition info is goofy looking on everyone’s screen? It just shows a bunch of symbols where it should have the units of measurement. I tried to pull it up both on my iphone and on my laptop and its the same. Not just on this recipe but all on this website.
Calli says
Do you add water to the crockpot along with pork and garlic or do all carnitas ingredients get added at once to crockpot?
Sweat in Style Fitness says
Very nice! The more you are prepared, the more you will be successful with your fitness goals
Meredith says
Do you have any ideas for what to sub for the meat? (I’m a vegetarian) or maybe it would be good just minus the pork?
Summer says
I’m thinking roasted chickpeas would be good. I’d use the paprika and cumin to season them.
Jessica Bereheiko says
I just made all the components of the recipe and just waiting for the crock pot to finish. Then I realized I read it wrong and put the chillis in with the corn!!! This is my first meal prep, and I totally read the recipe wrong. Any ideas? Will the pork still be as moist w out the chilis?
Lee Hersh says
Hey Jessica! Sorry for the late response! Your pork is going to be just fine. Hopefully you didn’t throw it out!
Rena Ong says
If I were to prep a week in advanced, should I put in the fridge or freezer.
I wondering how can I warm up the food if I were to bring it to work.
Do I microwave everything or only the rice and meat?
Sydney says
After you’ve prepped them. Do you put them in the microwave to heat them up a bit??
Lee Hersh says
Hi Sydney! Yes, each day I reheat!
Amy says
BEST lunch I’ve had in awhile. I felt like I was eating food from a restaurant. DELICIOUS!!!!
Lee Hersh says
YAS!!!!
Anastasia says
I made this recipe for meal prep this week and LOVED it. LOVED. All my friends were so impressed as well! It was easy and looked beautiful. Plus I love that it’s a balanced meal. I had to cook my chicken on a skillet since i don’t have a slow cooker or crock pot but as long as it gets to soak it the sauce, it still turns out amazing. Thank you for the delicious simple recipe 🙂 Right on time for Cinqo de Mayo 🙂
Lee Hersh says
<3 Glad you loved it Anastasia!
Luke says
Hi, Awesome recipe, the wifey just made it for my lunches thanks for that.
Just wondering how you come up with your calorie details, they seem way off, i’m losing weight so a keen calorie calculator and got the following(roughly) and this isn’t accounting for cheese, juice etc
Calories in 100G Pork Loin – 250
calories in brown rice 3/4 cup -165
calories in beans – 165
calories in corn 68
total 650 calories
alisa williams says
I’m learning how to meal prep…it’s hella cheaper and easier to grab for lunch. I forgot the rice for tonight’s dinner but will have it ready to go for lunch!
I added some onion to the black beans and corn, as well as lime juice and cayenne. Love it!!!
Lee Hersh says
<3
Dee says
Prep bowls look delish! Only thing is that the calories dont really add up to 407 calories. Adds up to around 500 something. Just wanted to point it out to those who are counting calories !
Andrea says
Looks amazing! Do you use a pork loin roast or pork tenderloin?
Amy says
Ummmmmm….. this. looks. ridiculously. good. I’m doing my meal planning for the week & plan on making these. But I have a question: can I use feta cheese instead of cojito cheese? Would it make a huge difference in taste?
Lee Hersh says
Feta should be fine! Conjito doesn’t have a TON of flavor, so any kind of cheese will work!
Lisa says
The recipe calls for spices and orange juice and lime juice, but doesn’t say when to add them. Into the pot? A marinade? A spice rub?
Zach Davis says
This is so amazing. The first of its kind and only recipe I tried with my new cooker and got it right. Oh BTW my wife loved it too. Thanks for sharing.