Black Bean Cheddar Arepa — Meatless Packed Lunch

Seasoned black beans and melted cheddar on a warm arepa — a filling, protein-rich lunchbox that comes together from a can and takes five minutes. Works warm at home or room temperature in a lunchbox.

Ingredients

• 2 Zavor & Co gluten-free arepas
• ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 2 oz shredded cheddar
• Salt to taste

How to Make It

1. Toast arepas until warm and golden.
2. Warm black beans in a small saucepan with cumin, garlic powder, and salt — 2 minutes.
3. Spoon seasoned beans over each warm arepa.
4. Top with shredded cheddar — it melts slightly from the warm beans.
5. Pack in a container with a lid for the lunchbox.

Why It Works

Black beans are one of the best high-protein, plant-based lunchbox fillings — affordable, filling, and kid-friendly when seasoned simply. The cheddar adds richness and makes the whole thing feel indulgent, even though it is genuinely good for them.

Get Arepas →