Although the cooking time is lengthy (two hours), prep time is minimal and you can't get much cheaper. I usually make a whole batch and then freeze at least half of them. They are sooo good!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/health/nutrition/09recipehealth.html?ref=blackbeans

There are all sorts of things you can do with them. Use them as a side, or as the main course with some toppings, or make them into tacos, burritos, etc.

This blogger uses them for enchiladas:

http://bethsjourney.com/black-beans-that-will-change-your-life/

I'm not sure if you'd consider these to be healthy. But these are some of the things we do.

Meat sauce is quick. I cook 1/2 pound of meat in a pan (your choice - I use beef). When it's almost done cooking, add around 1/2 chopped onion and 1-2 cloves of pressed garlic. Continue to let simmer until beef is fully cooked and onions/garlic are cooked.

Add in a jar of marinara (I use Newman's) and sprinkle some Italian seasoning and basil. Spinach mixes in well as well. Serve over pasta.

Garlic pasta - cook pasta while frying some crushed garlic and carrots (and/or other veggies) in olive oil. Toss pasta in with garlic/carrots. Serve with freshly grated parmesan. You can serve with meatballs (I make homemade and freeze), breaded chicken (bread chicken with breadcrumbs/egg/breadcrumbs and pan fry), or plain chicken if you want. If you want to mix some more veggies in - you can mix pureed veggies (such as carrots or spinach) in with the egg while making the breaded chicken.

Pizza is fairly quick and easy. I do a premade dough and top with olive oil, cheese, then spinach, feta, and tomatoes. Top with a little more cheese and bake.

Salmon in a foil lined pain - top with butter and lemon and basil. Serve with quinoa or rice.

Other quick meals we do:

Tacos or taco salad
Quesadillas
Grilled cheese (tastes good with onion/tomato)
Ravoli (there's a spinach and ricotta one we buy)
Bagel pizzas (we do as "make your own" then bake)

I love this bulgur wheat and chickpea salad from Bon Appetit -- but I make it a way that is even easier. The recipe calls for boiling and draining the bulgur like pasta. That made it too watery.

I just mix two cups of quick cooking bulgur and two cups cold water in a glass bowl and let it sit for an hour. I use Bob's Red Mill Bulgur from Whole Foods (and some Safeways have it now too). I mix in the veggies whenever I get around to it. Super healthy and delicious and cheap!

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2010/10/bulgur_garbanzo_bean_and_cucumber_salad

I'm getting a little tired of our few recipes that meet all 4 of these--what are your favorites? Thanks!