The Peanut Butter Boy: 7-Layer Mexican Bean Dip

April 2008 Update: I've made this dish on numerous occasions and play with the recipe a little bit each time. I've experimented with a few different combinations and believe this to be the ultimate taco dip.

This is a great appetizer to serve to lots of people (or lunch for 4). Everyone will give a hoot (or toot) when you serve this delectable dish. It is very easy to make and highly addicting. Be sure to serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips. You will need the following items:

Ingredients:

2 cups (16oz can) can fat-free refried beans (or homemade)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (8oz) package fat-free cream cheese
1 cup (8oz) fat-free sour cream
1 jar salsa (Green Mountain Gringo is a personal favorite)
3 leafs lettuce or cabbage, chopped
2 cups (8oz package) fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
1 (2oz) can of sliced black olives
1 medium ripe tomato, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup chopped red onions (optional)
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
cilantro, chopped (optional)
7 green onion stems, chopped
Tortilla Chips or celery sticks, for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, stir the taco seasoning into the refried beans and spread along the bottom of a 9x13 glass baking dish. In another bowl, whip the cream cheese and sour cream together until creamy and spread on top of the beans.

2. Spread salsa on top and sprinkle cilantro, red onions, bell pepper and tomato, if using (I recommend cilantro at least). Top with lettuce/cabbage, cheddar cheese and black olives. Dollop with extra sour cream if desired and sprinkle green onions on top.

Additional Info:

For some variations, add the cheese after the beans and heat up in the oven. Once the cheese melts, remove from oven and continue to add the ingredients. Adding some lean ground meat to the bean layer adds flavor and boosts the protein. Sometimes fat-free refried beans are very dry and you may want to opt for a brand with a small amount of fat but beware of ones that contain lard. I found an excellent brand of refried beans called Kuner's, both varieties are delicious. If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper to the beans. You can also substitute 1 lb lean ground beef/turkey or 16oz fat free cream cheese for the refried beans, and mix it with the taco seasoning. Enjoy!

Labels: fiber, mexican, peanut butterless, protein, snack