Pinto Bean Dip

This quick and easy beef and bean dip is perfect for when you need a delicious appetizer in a short amount of time. With lean ground beef, refried beans, and flavorful spices, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that can be prepared in a small slow cooker. The dip is ready to serve once the cheese has melted and the flavors have melded together.

To make pinto bean dip, you will need cooked pinto beans (canned or cooked from dried beans), garlic, onion, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and optional ingredients like jalapeños, cilantro, or shredded cheese for added flavor.

First, the cooked pinto beans are drained and rinsed if using canned beans. If you cooked the beans from scratch, ensure they are cooked until soft and tender.

In a food processor or blender, the pinto beans are combined with garlic, onion, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is blended until smooth and creamy. The flavors of garlic, lime juice, and spices add depth and complexity to the dip.

Optional ingredients like diced jalapeños or chopped cilantro can be added to the mixture for added heat and freshness. These ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

The pinto bean dip is transferred to a serving bowl and can be enjoyed immediately. However, for enhanced flavors, you can refrigerate the dip for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds (910 g) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• 2 cups (480 ml) refried beans (see recipe in Chapter 11)
• 1½ cups (390 g) picante sauce
• Dash of hot pepper sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne

PREPARATION:

1. In a skillet, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then transfer the beef and onion mixture to a small slow cooker.
3. Add the refried beans, picante sauce, hot pepper sauce, cumin, and cayenne to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 1 hour, or until the cheese has melted and the flavors are well mixed.
5. Serve the dip with corn chips or your preferred dipping chips.

Yield: 16 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 17 g water
• 115 calories
• 21% from fat
• 24% from protein
• 55% from carbs
• 7 g protein
• 3 g total fat
• 2 g saturated fat
• 1 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 16 g carbs
• 4 g fiber
• 1 g sugar
• 138 mg phosphorus
• 82 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 75 mg sodium
• 363 mg potassium
• 119 IU vitamin A
• 18 mg ATE vitamin E
• 5 mg vitamin C
• 7 mg cholesterol

Note: The nutritional information provided is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Pinto bean dip can be served with an array of dippables, such as tortilla chips, pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. The creamy and smooth texture of the dip pairs well with the crunchy and savory dippables.

This dip can also be customized to your preference by incorporating additional toppings or garnishes. For example, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top and broil it until melted and bubbly. Chopped tomatoes, diced onions, or a drizzle of sour cream can also be added for extra flavor and visual appeal.

In summary, pinto bean dip is a delicious and protein-rich appetizer that highlights the flavors of pinto beans in a smooth and creamy dip. Whether enjoyed at parties, game nights, or casual gatherings, this dip is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your preferred spices and toppings, making it a crowd-pleasing option for those who appreciate the rich flavors of pinto beans.