Bake several potatoes when baking another dish at 425F. Baked potatoes, once cooled, can be cubed or shredded and stored in the refrigerator (or frozen for up to one month) to make hash browns for breakfast. How to bake potatoes: Wash potatoes and prick the skins with a fork several times; wrap potatoes in foil, place in preheated 425F oven for 45 to 60 minutes.
Save leftover beans for another meal. Soak and cook pinto beans according to package directions. Store extra beans in a airtight plastic bag and place in the freezer (for up to one month). Add the frozen pinto beans to the rice dish as it cooks to add more protein and fiber to your meal.