It’s great for lunch or dinner and easy to customize.

Being able to transform such a humble ingredient into something delicious is a satisfying feat.

The recipe that epitomizes this most is my black bean toast.

Black bean toast on a platter with lots more

Simply Recipes / Sara Haas

Its proof that dinner (or lunch!)

doesnt have to be complicated or expensive.

This black bean toast has gone through many iterations.

Two plates each with a black bean toast on top with lots of toppings

Simply Recipes / Sara Haas

In fact, I would say that its different every single time I make it.

Thats because I love utilizing my pantry and fridge staples to create it.

A Versatile Recipe Thats Easy To Customize

Making these black bean toasts is simple.

Bowl of beans mashed together using a fork for black bean toast

Simply Recipes / Sara Haas

Cover with cheese and then bake until your kitchen smells like heaven and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with your favorite toppingsanything youd put on a taco works here!

If I have leftover grilled corn, its used as a topping.

Black bean toast topped with shredded cheese on a parchment paper lined platter

Simply Recipes / Sara Haas

A Meal That Costs $2 Per Serving

Lets talk about cost.

The rest of the ingredients are staples, so we wont count them.

That means that each serving of this black bean toast is less than $1.50.

Black bean toast on a plate next to another plate with a serving and a bowl of lime slices

Simply Recipes / Sara Haas

Add on another 50 cents or so for toppings and youre at $2 per serving.

See why this is such an awesome meal?

Top with cheese and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, 12 to 15 minutes.

Garnish the toasts with your favorite toppings and serve.

If you dont mind doing an extra dish, then you’re free to skip this step.

Experiment with flavors.My version is just a starting point.

Try swapping in white beans for the black beans and season with garlic, salt, and pepper.

Top with mozzarella before baking and then garnish with chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar.

Or use garbanzo beans and toss with garlic and chopped roasted red peppers.

Top with feta and bake, then finish with freshly chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice.

I usually splurge on a nicer loaf from the bakery department at my local grocery store or farmers market.

Whole grain or sourdough are great options.

Make it vegan!Swap the cheese for vegan cheese or simply omit.

Or consider adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a salty pop of umami.