While most of us prefer a balanced and satisfying meal on days that require our focus and energy, we simply run out of time to make it happen. Too often we find ourselves torn at the seams by daily responsibilities and end up sacrificing nourishment in exchange for convenience, like grabbing a granola bar and chips instead of enjoying a full meal.

If you’re a Café Yumm!® fan, you already know how much we love a one-bowl meal of nourishing goodness on the go. For us, the bowl represents abundance. It feeds the body, mind, and soul. That’s why the heart of our menu is the Yumm! Bowl®—a Northwest favorite since 1997.

As big believers in the power of a one-bowl meal, we are here to help inspire you with ideas that are easy to make at home. Whether prepping for the work day, school lunches, or quick dinners, one-bowl meals are not only fast to prepare, but can offer a world of delicious flavors and healthy ingredients with less mess to clean.

Why Choose One-Bowl Meals?

One-bowl meals require minimal prep, cooking time, and cleaning, which makes them an ideal choice for busy people looking for something quick and nutritious. The ingredients can also be affordable when you buy dried grains and beans in bulk. Using a variety of sauces, salsas, and spices will introduce variety during the week so you don’t get bored with ready-to-eat meals. This helps reduce food waste, which is good for your wallet and good for the planet!

The versatility of one-bowl meals is virtually endless, allowing you to experiment with different combinations of grains, proteins, vegetables, and sauces. It’s easy to make them vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or keto, depending on your dietary needs. By embracing one-bowl meals, not only do you save time, but you also enjoy nourishing food you’ll look forward to eating each day, customized just for you.

Get creative! Start by reading our guide to DIY Yumm! Bowls.

Meal Prep Tips for Success

To make your one-bowl meal experience seamless, consider incorporating meal prepping into your daily routine. It can really pay off to pick one day each week for chopping vegetables, cooking grains, and preparing proteins. If you work Monday through Friday, scheduling a few hours over the weekend can save a lot of precious time and stress throughout the next week. By dedicating a small portion of your weekend to meal prepping, you set yourself up for a week of effortless, delicious meals. Not only does meal prepping save time, but it also ensures that you have wholesome and nutritious ingredients readily available.

• Our #1 tip is to make a plan and keep it simple.
• Grocery shop with a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need, including Yumm! Sauce® and Jal-Ses Yumm! Salsa®.
• Buy in bulk and in season when you can.
• Cook a large pot of rice or quinoa and a large pot of beans.
• Cut and prepare all of your veggies and protein at the same time.
• Allow cooked ingredients to cool completely before assembling one-bowl meals that contain fresh veggies, greens, or dairy.
• Assemble your one-bowl meals in airtight storage containers to grab and go later, or store your prepared ingredients in separate containers to make assembling your one-bowl meals a breeze throughout the week.

Top 5 One-Bowl Meal Ideas

Good Morning Breakfast Bowl

Begin with a base of Organic Brown Rice and Organic Small Red Beans for a protein-rich combination that provides a satisfying start to the day. Add a layer of Original Yumm! Sauce® and top with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and a rainbow of vegetables, like grilled zucchini, onion, sweet red peppers, and mushrooms.

Mediterranean Rice Bowl

Combine the nutty flavor and fluffy texture of Organic Brown Rice with classic Mediterranean ingredients like briny kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber over a layer of Roasted Garlic Yumm! Sauce®.

You can also add grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh to make this bowl a protein powerhouse. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley leaves for a delightful taste of the Mediterranean in a single, satisfying bowl.

Stir Fry Noodle Bowl

You can really pack in the veggies with this easy meal! Toss cooked rice noodles with a colorful stir-fry of broccoli, snap peas, carrots, purple cabbage, and baked tofu or chicken. Mix together soy sauce, grated ginger, a squeeze of lime, and Jal-Ses Yumm! Salsa®. Drizzle over the veggies and noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions for a spicy feast in a bowl that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Mango Chicken & Rice Bowl

Combine the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with savory grilled chicken and Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice for a lunch that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Start with a base of cooked jasmine rice, add grilled chicken strips, and toss in chunks of fresh mango.

From there, incorporate crisp cucumber slices and red onion, cilantro, and fresh mint leaves. Drizzle with a lime vinaigrette and a dollop of Jal-Ses Yumm! Salsa®. This would also be amazing with our Tropical Salsa Recipe.

This bowl packs a nutritional punch with a balance of lean protein, whole grains, and vibrant fruits and vegetables. Make it vegan with tofu or tempeh instead of chicken!

Veggie Burrito Bowl

Start your burrito bowl with a base of Organic Brown Rice and Organic Black Turtle Beans. Drizzle on a layer of Chipotle Yumm! Sauce® and top with your favorite burrito ingredients. Some great options include shredded cheddar cheese, grilled onions and peppers, roasted mushrooms, sweet corn, pickled jalapenos, guacamole, cilantro, salad greens, salsa, and sour cream. You can also boost the protein content with grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh.

The result is a Tex-Mex-style meal in a single, hearty bowl that you will definitely crave all week long.

Add More Flavor with Yumm! Sauce®

Take your one-bowl meals to a whole new level by incorporating the the uniquely savory flavors of Yumm! Sauce. Our versatile sauces will add a burst of lemon and garlic creaminess to your favorite dishes.

Even better? Yumm! Sauce is vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free.

Elevate Your Bowl Game with Yumm! Sauce®

Ready for an easier and tastier meal-prep routine? Elevate your one-bowl creations with the irresistible taste of Yumm! Sauce. Explore our array of flavors including Original, Roasted Garlic and Chipotle to bring a dash of culinary magic to your meals.

Shop online today or buy our sauces at Cafe Yumm! restaurants and select grocery stores.