Super cheap meal and can easily be modified with adding or taking off things!
A full loaf is $1 at Walmart in their fresh bread area. Just be warned, it only lasts a day or two, so I always make it the day after grocery shopping!
This here feeds about 4 people!
I included a picture of the sauce I use.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of fresh bread (available for $1 at Walmart)
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed (you can substitute with any canned beans you prefer)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, leftover rice works well)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you like)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (use any color you prefer)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
- Hot sauce or salsa (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread Boat:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the top off the loaf of bread, creating a “boat” shape. Hollow out the center of the loaf, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Save the bread you remove for making breadcrumbs or croutons in the future.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, diced onions, diced bell peppers, diced cucumber, and sliced black olives (if using). Mix everything well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Load the Bread Boat:
- Carefully spoon the mixed filling into the hollowed-out bread loaf. Press down gently to pack the filling, but don’t overfill, as you want the boat to close easily.
- Cheese It Up:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the filling, allowing it to melt and bind the ingredients together.
- Bake It:
- Place the loaded bread boat on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, and the filling is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bread boat from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of fresh flavor (optional).
- Cut the loaded bread boat into slices or wedges and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
- If you like some heat, serve with hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor customization.
