Monterey Beans and Cheese

Get ready to elevate your Tex-Mex game with Monterey Beans and Cheese, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. This recipe combines tender pinto beans, tangy canned tomatoes, and zesty green chilies, all seasoned with fragrant cumin and chili powder for a punch of bold flavor. Sautéed onions and garlic form a savory base, while a generous layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese creates an irresistibly gooey, golden topping. Ready in just 35 minutes, this customizable dish can be served as a crowd-pleasing main or a satisfying side. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright finish, and pair it with warm tortillas, rice, or a crisp salad for the ultimate Southwestern-inspired meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering, Monterey Beans and Cheese is a comfort food classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Keywords: Monterey Beans and Cheese recipe, Tex-Mex dish, pinto beans recipe, cheesy skillet beans, easy comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 86/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups pinto beans (cooked and drained)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
• 4 ounces chopped green chilies (canned)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and lightly golden.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Season the mixture with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Preheat your oven’s broiler to high (or set it to 450°F/230°C if using a baking method).

Step 8

Transfer the bean mixture into an oven-safe baking dish if not already in one.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the beans.

Step 10

Place the dish under the broiler and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1638.7 grams (1638.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1978

Total Fat 87.20g	112%
Saturated Fat 35.10g	176%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 150mg	50%
Sodium 3240mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 202.90g	74%
Dietary Fiber 63.10g	225%
Total Sugars 16.70g
Protein 99.70g	199%

Vitamin D 36IU	180%
Calcium 1663mg	128%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 3703mg	79%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.3%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 40.7%