When hunger strikes and time is tight, your pantry should be your best friend. With Born Simple bowls as your base, you can create satisfying, protein-packed meals in minutes using ingredients you already have on hand.
Each of these ideas takes our ready-in-60-seconds bowls and adds a simple twist that transforms them into something special — all in under 10 minutes total.
1. The Breakfast Mac
Base: Ultimate Mac & Cheese
Add: Fried egg + crispy bacon bits + hot sauce
Time: 5 minutes
Who says mac and cheese is just for dinner? Top with a runny fried egg and crispy bacon for the ultimate breakfast comfort food. 34g+ protein to power your morning!
Buy Ultimate Mac & Cheese →2. Southwest Chipotle Fiesta
Base: Chipotle Chicken Bowl
Add: Corn + black beans + shredded cheese + tortilla chips
Time: 3 minutes
Turn up the fiesta with canned corn and extra black beans. Crush some tortilla chips on top for crunch and melt cheese for extra indulgence.
Buy Chipotle Chicken Bowl →3. Teriyaki Crunch Supreme
Base: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Add: Sesame seeds + crushed peanuts + sriracha mayo
Time: 2 minutes
Add texture and heat with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of sriracha mixed with mayo. Sesame seeds bring authentic Asian flavor.
Buy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl →4. Thai Peanut Power Bowl
Base: Thai Style Chicken Bowl
Add: Peanut butter + lime juice + crushed red pepper
Time: 3 minutes
Mix a spoonful of peanut butter with lime juice for instant peanut sauce. Add crushed red pepper for heat and you've got restaurant-quality Thai food at home.
Buy Thai Style Chicken Bowl →5. Mac Attack Deluxe
Base: Ultimate Mac & Cheese
Add: Pulled rotisserie chicken + BBQ sauce + green onions
Time: 5 minutes
Grab pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your fridge, shred it, and toss with BBQ sauce. Instant BBQ mac that'll make you forget takeout exists.
Buy Ultimate Mac & Cheese →6. Chipotle Ranch Bowl
Base: Chipotle Chicken Bowl
Add: Ranch dressing + avocado + cilantro
Time: 2 minutes
Cool down the spice with creamy ranch and fresh avocado. A handful of cilantro adds freshness that brightens the whole bowl.
Buy Chipotle Chicken Bowl →7. Asian Fusion Teriyaki
Base: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Add: Frozen edamame + shredded carrots + soy sauce
Time: 4 minutes
Microwave frozen edamame for 2 minutes and add to your bowl with pre-shredded carrots. Extra soy sauce brings it all together.
Buy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl →8. Thai Coconut Dream
Base: Thai Style Chicken Bowl
Add: Coconut milk + basil + crushed cashews
Time: 3 minutes
A splash of canned coconut milk transforms this bowl into creamy paradise. Fresh basil and cashews add authentic Thai restaurant vibes.
Buy Thai Style Chicken Bowl →9. Pizza Mac
Base: Ultimate Mac & Cheese
Add: Pepperoni + Italian seasoning + marinara for dipping
Time: 3 minutes
Kids and adults alike will love this pizza-inspired twist. Add mini pepperoni and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, with warm marinara on the side.
Buy Ultimate Mac & Cheese →10. Tex-Mex Rice Bowl
Base: Chipotle Chicken Bowl
Add: Salsa + sour cream + crushed Doritos
Time: 2 minutes
The ultimate guilty pleasure — top with your favorite salsa, a dollop of sour cream, and yes, crushed Doritos for that addictive crunch.
Buy Chipotle Chicken Bowl →Pro Tips for Pantry Success
- ✓ Stock smart: Keep canned beans, frozen veggies, nuts, and condiments on hand for instant upgrades
- ✓ Texture matters: Add crunch with nuts, seeds, or chips to make every bite interesting
- ✓ Fresh touches: Even dried herbs or a squeeze of citrus can brighten any bowl
- ✓ Mix and match: Don't be afraid to combine bowls or swap toppings between flavors
Ready to Build Your Bowl?
Stock up on Born Simple and turn pantry basics into extraordinary meals