Texas Trash Bean Dip

Name: Texas Trash Bean Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: tex_mex
Ingredients: 240 g pinto beans (dried, soaked overnight and boiled until very soft, or homemade refried beans); 226 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature); 0.5 cup sour cream; 2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded from a block, divided); 0.5 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded from a block); 1 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 pcs jalapeno (seeded and minced); 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 pinch smoked paprika; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1 tsp oil (for greasing); 2 pcs green onion (sliced, for garnish); 1 pcs tomato (diced, for garnish)

RATING

4.5/5(73)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A warm, creamy, and outrageously satisfying bean dip loaded with seasoned refried beans, melted cheese, and a kick of Tex-Mex spice. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any casual gathering, it comes together in minutes and disappears even faster.

PREP

10m

COOK

20m

SERVES

1 CUP

427 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with oil or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
saute · ~5 min
Cook the aromatics and bloom the spices.
1.Warm a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2.Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeno and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3.Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until the spices are deeply fragrant.
TIPBlooming the spices in the dry heat of the pan for a few seconds intensifies their flavor.
mix · ~3 min
Combine the bean mixture.
Transfer the cooked onion-spice mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the fully cooked and well-mashed pinto beans, the softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Fold everything together until the mixture is creamy, uniform, and well combined.
TIPMake sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the dip.
assemble · ~2 min
Layer the dip and top with cheese.
Spread the creamy bean mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the top evenly with the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses.
bake · ~20 min
Bake the dip until hot and bubbly.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbling, and lightly golden in spots.
TIPFor a more deeply browned, burnty-cheese top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching it constantly.
garnish
Garnish and serve immediately.
Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top with the fresh diced tomato and sliced green onions. Serve hot with sturdy tortilla chips for scooping.
TIPThis dip firms up as it cools, so it's best enjoyed straight from the oven.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Shred your own cheddar and Monterey Jack from blocks — pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
2
For best texture, ensure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature so it blends into the bean mixture without lumps.
3
Sauté the aromatics until the onions are translucent, not browned, to keep the dip's color creamy and the flavor sweet.
4
If using dried pinto beans, cook them until they are very soft and mash easily — undercooked beans will yield a grainy dip.
5
To prevent a soggy bottom, let the dip rest for 3 minutes after broiling so the cheese sets slightly before serving.
6
This dip can be fully assembled a day ahead, refrigerated, and baked just before serving — add 5 minutes to bake time if starting cold.
7
Leftover dip can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven or microwave, stirring once, until hot.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

spicy extra

Spicy-extra

Add 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the onion mixture for a smoky, fiery kick that dials up the heat without overpowering the cheese.

high protein

High-protein

Stir 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken or seasoned ground beef into the bean mixture before baking for a heartier, protein-packed dip that doubles as a meal.

vegetarian black bean

Vegetarian-black-bean

Replace the pinto beans with canned black beans (rinsed and drained, then mashed) for a darker, slightly earthier flavor profile that pairs well with cilantro.

jain

Jain

Omit the garlic and onion, and substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives; the cumin and chili will still deliver robust flavor.

low oil

Low-oil

Skip the oil by sautéing the aromatics in a splash of water or vegetable broth, and use a nonstick skillet to keep the dish light.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Plant-Based Fiber

Pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.

✓