Refried Beans

This is my version of refried beans that aren't really fried at all. It's great as a side dish, but I also like eating it as a dip with tortilla chips as well. This is super easy and great for feeding a lot of people. 

Ingredients:

6 cans of pinto beans rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp butter
half of a small white or yellow onion
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg of your favorite taco seasoning mix
3/4 c. water
1 c shredded Mexican cheese

In a large skillet melt butter and add in onion and garlic and cook until the garlic just begins to turn brown. 

Add in drained beans and combine. 

Add in the water, taco seasoning, and salt. Stir until combined. Cook until the beans are warmed through and the cooking liquid becomes thick. Then mash together until it's the consistency that you like. I like them to still look like beans and not bean paste so I just use my pastry cutter to mash. You can also use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon. 

Pour into a lightly sprayed baking dish and cover with the shredded cheese. 

Bake at 350* for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is nice and bubbly. 

Happy Eating!

Monlat