Mexican Bean Dip Recipe
Overview
This Mexican Bean Dip is a flavorful Tex-Mex dish perfect for gatherings or as a hearty snack. It features layers of creamy refried beans, zesty avocados, tangy sour cream, and a medley of toppings like cheese, tomatoes, olives, and onions. It’s versatile enough to serve with nacho chips or even as a filling for burritos, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dried pinto beans
- 2 cups water (for soaking)
- 2/3 cup salsa
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional: chopped jalapenos for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep Beans:
- Soak the pinto beans overnight in cold water. This helps soften them for cooking.
2. Cook Beans:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a pot, cover them with fresh water and add a dash of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender and easily mashed. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the beans’ age and type.
- Once cooked, drain any remaining water and mash the beans into a smooth paste.
3. Season Beans:
- Stir in salsa, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
4. Layering:
- Spread the bean mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the first layer.
5. Prepare Avocado Layer:
- In a bowl, mash the avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy. Spread this mixture over the bean layer.
6. Sour Cream Mixture:
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning mix in a bowl. Mix well until smooth.
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the avocado layer.
7. Toppings:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the sour cream layer.
- Layer diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions on top of the cheese.
- For added heat, scatter chopped jalapenos over the dish if desired.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Mexican Bean Dip immediately with nacho chips for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Customize: Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder or jalapenos according to your preference.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 249.3
- Fat: 21.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8g
- Cholesterol: 29.7mg
- Sodium: 411.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.9g
- Fiber: 5.9g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 7.3g
Conclusion
This Mexican Bean Dip recipe combines the rich flavors of refried beans, creamy avocado, and tangy sour cream with a variety of toppings for a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress with its bold Tex-Mex flavors and versatility.