Casey Barber

Fresh ingredients, made to order, assembled just the way you like them — it's no wonder that Chipotle's endlessly customizable burrito bowls are a crazy popular option for a weekday office lunch or quick dinner. It's almost as good as homemade… but it's not homemade, and with a little advance prep work, you can stock your freezer with the real deal and save a few bucks in the process.

Make your base components — spicy chicken, flavorful black beans and that irresistibly zippy rice — ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze for pre-layered, ready-to-go burrito bowls you can microwave or reheat on the stovetop. Then top your warmed bowl with fresh tomato and/or corn salsa, sour cream and more. The base recipes double easily for batch lunches or dinners in a pinch.