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Fall has been a very busy season, and I know the holidays don’t let up for anyone!
I saw these cute, two-compartment bento-boxes at Big Lots when I went one last time before they closed (at least, the location by my apartment) and couldn’t pass them up.
I’ve been packing lunch or dinner in them for when I need to eat on the go, and I love how much food they hold!
This one in particular (I’ve linked several similar options) came with a reusable spork that fits in the lid — you can also fit a tiny lil treat in there — and it snaps up securely.
My two favorite things about this bento box is that it holds a lot of food and its very easy to clean!
I thought I’d share what I’ve packed in my bento box so far in case you’re looking for ideas and recipes.
Let’s get into it!
Meal ideas and recipes for your bento box
Some of the meals I pack are from recipes, and others are just tossed together. I hope this gives you some meal ideas!
Pasta and meatballs | I put plain pasta on one side of the box (with a small container of olives) and meatballs (Jack and Annies jackfruit meatballs are my go-to) in marinara sauce on the other side of the box.
Bean Burrito, Rice and Peppers | One side has a pre-cooked bean and cheese burrito (from the frozen section) with some jasmine rice, while the other side has halved mini bell peppers.
Peanut Butter Sandwich and Chips | You can’t go wrong with a classic! PB sammy and chips on one side, mini chocolate chip cookies and an orange on the other.
Chickpea Caesar Salad | I love Caesar salad, but I don’t eat chicken. Instead, I made a Caesar salad with some chickpeas and roasted cashews on one side, a PB-stuffed date on the other side, and a small container of croutons to toss on the salad right before eating.
Ravioli and Grilled Zucchini | I love this as a meal! One side has cheese ravioli with grilled zucchini (any veggie will do; I like brussels sprouts, too) and a small container of marinara, the other side has an orange and a peanut butter cup.
Kimchi Fried Rice | This might be my favorite meal for the box because it’s so hearty and heats up nicely. I follow this recipe, which is super simple — it’s insanely good! I like to make a large batch since the leftovers are so good.
Roasted Potatoes and Lentil Chili | This sounds way more complicated than it is, but I started buying instant cups of lentils from a brand called Lentiful. You just add boiling water and bam! The chili flavor is my favorite so far. I premake one cup of lentils and put half of it in one side of the bento box with the roasted potatoes, and top it with green onions and cheese. I leave the other side open for treats 🙂
Baked Spaghetti | I made this meal so many times last fall and winter, and I was excited to bring it back this year. It’s easy and delish — here’s the recipe I use. I put my baked spaghetti in one side of the box and leave the other for a snack or dessert.
Steak Fajitas and Rice | I used the Impossible steak to make these. I simply cooked the steak according to the package directions, made jasmine rice, grilled some onions and peppers and served it with salsa. It was fantastic in the bento box, too!
Black Bean Burger and Grilled Zucchini | My favorite black bean burgers are from a brand called Actual Veggies. They are true veggie burgers and so good! I like eating them with grilled veggies and avocado.
Tortilla Soup | The tortilla soup from Kristin Cavallari’s “True Comfort” cookbook is so cozy, filling, and flavorful. Truly, this one is so good. I put the soup on one side of the box, some tortilla chips and a lime slice on the other side.
Hummus and Roasted Cauliflower | I saw this recipe on Pinterest and had to make it. I forget how easy homemade hummus is (and you can control what’s in it) and the seasoned, roasted cauliflower is so flavorful. I put the hummus and cauliflower on one side of the box and a piece of mini naan bread on the other side.
Veggie Pot Pie | I shared earlier this season that I made a SPOOKY veggie pot pie, and I most-definitely packed the leftovers in my bento box. Here’s the recipe I used — make it with or without the ghost crust, ha! It was so delicious, and a good portion fit in one side. The other side I used for a piece of cheese.
Lasagna Soup | I made lasagna soup last year and loved it! This particular recipe is very easy and quick to make —would be perfect for a snow day. I like to make the soup separate from the pasta, but I eat them together (otherwise the leftovers get all soaked up in the pasta). I put the soup on one side of the bento box and the pasta on the other.
Taco Bowl | Much like the fajitas, I threw together some taco bowls with Impossible taco-seasoned meat which I cooked with a diced yellow onion, and some vegan refried beans. I put the meat, beans, and white rice into one side of the bento box, and some lettuce and chopped tomato in the other side!
That’s what I’ve put in my bento box… so far!
I’d love to know what items you pack in your lunches or meals to-go.
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