Here's a go-to I've recently adopted. I do an IP batch of brown rice, one of black rice and one of whole black beans. When cooled, I mix the three together, along with a can or bag of corn, plus any kind of salsa. If I have scallions and/or cilantro to use up, I chop and add to the mix. Then I freeze it in 2-cup portions. This makes a great base for tacos, burritos, nacho bowls, quesadillas, etc. I scored the Hinode Black Rice at the 99 Cents Only Store. When it's gone, I'll use some other long grain rice. Recently, I had some leftover French black lentils and tossed them into a batch, with pleasing results. Surely you could use pinto beans with similar results. Oh, and leftover quinoa works well too. I did try cooking 2 rices and quinoa together in one batch, but it was way too mushy. (It did make a decent vegan patty when grilled, so not a complete loss.)
Typically, I make big batches of each item and keep some aside from The Big Mix. I'll puree and freeze the rest of the black beans and freeze them separately and do the same with each type of rice. It's satisfying to have the basis for so many meals stacked neatly in the freezer, especially during a heat wave like we're having this week.
This is a great idea. In fact, today, I am defrosting something similar that I stuck in the freezer two months ago.
The problem we have is that teenager doesn't like rice. I mean, he used to like rice, but now he complains that it gets stuck in his braces. Last time I made rice, I overcooked it into a gummy mess. He didn't complain as much. Luckily, in another month the braces will be gone, but I'm not sure if he'll still be off rice.
One of my favorite easy mid-week meals that we have about monthly is Thai red curry chicken. I bought a massive plastic container from Amazon of Thai curry paste. So, curry paste, coconut milk, brown sugar, vegetables and ... yes ... a can of chicken breast from Costco. This dinner is especially delicious on white rice with a little sriracha and "everything but the bagel" seasoning.
Well, yesterday I was thinking of trying it with brown rice Pad Thai noodles instead. I ordered some from Amazon and accidentally got a 3rd box (must have been in my cart and I didn't know it). Turns out, back of the box has that exact recipe...so I didn't even have to make it, hubby did. Delicious, but we will need to double it. Never enough leftovers.