Burrito bowls have become a popular choice for a quick, nutritious meal, offering a mix of protein, vegetables, and grains in a convenient package. Today, we're comparing the Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl with a homemade version. We'll explore taste, texture, nutritional value, and cost, and I'll share a delicious homemade recipe for you to try.

Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl: The Ready-Made Choice

Taste and Texture: The Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl features a blend of seasoned chicken breast, black beans, brown rice, corn, red bell peppers, and tomatoes in a zesty tomato sauce. The flavors are well-balanced, with a nice blend of spices and a hint of smokiness. The texture is generally good, though microwaving can sometimes result in uneven heating, leading to some ingredients being a bit mushy while others remain firm.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 270

• Total Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 520mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 35g

• Dietary Fiber: 8g

• Sugars: 3g

• Protein: 20g

The Healthy Choice option is a relatively low-calorie and low-fat meal with a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a solid choice for those looking for a balanced meal.

Homemade Unwrapped Burrito Bowl: The Fresh Alternative

Homemade Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice

• 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 small tomato, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, diced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the red onion and red bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the corn and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Burrito Bowl: In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, black beans, sautéed vegetables, and diced tomato. Mix well.

4. Serve: Divide the mixture into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450

• Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 48g

• Dietary Fiber: 12g

• Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 32g

The homemade version offers a higher calorie and fat content, but also provides more protein and fiber. It allows for more control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and the ability to adjust to taste and dietary preferences.

The Verdict

Taste and Texture: The Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl offers a convenient and tasty option, though the homemade version stands out with its fresh, vibrant flavors and customizable texture. The homemade bowl is richer and more satisfying, with each ingredient contributing to a cohesive and delicious meal.

Nutritional Value: While the Healthy Choice option is lower in calories and fat, the homemade version provides a more balanced nutritional profile with higher protein and fiber content. The homemade bowl is also lower in sodium, making it a healthier option overall.

Cost: Healthy Choice offers convenience at a relatively low cost, but making a homemade version can be more economical, especially when preparing multiple servings. Plus, you have control over the quality and source of your ingredients.

Convenience: Healthy Choice wins for convenience, requiring just a few minutes in the microwave. The homemade version takes more time and effort but rewards with superior taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick and easy meal, the Healthy Choice Simply Steamers Unwrapped Burrito Bowl is a decent choice. However, if you have some extra time to spare, the homemade variant offers a more flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Try the recipe above and taste the difference for yourself!