Wow, you guys have such great ideas!
One of the fastest and easiest core dishes I have found is the Easy White Bean Chili. Open up some cans, throw them in the pot, and heat it up. Its really good.
Another favorite of ours is black beans and rice. I just make brown rice according to directions (although I usually omit the butter), then heat up black beans on the stove. I do not drain the black beans, but put them juice and all in a pan. Then add cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Serve the beans over the rice. A great main dish or good with a bunless burger, or chicken. DH even loves it.