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:
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2 cups (16oz can) nonfat refried beans (preferably homemade)
1 packet taco seasoning (reduced sodium)
1 (8oz) package nonfat cream cheese
1 cup (8oz) nonfat sour cream
1 (16oz) jar salsa (Green Mountain Gringo is a personal favorite)
1 medium ripe tomato, chopped
2 cups (8oz package) nonfat shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup lettuce or cabbage, shredded
1 (2oz) can of sliced black olives
1/3 cup frozen sweet corn
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onions (optional)
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
7 green onion stems, chopped (optional)
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 9×13 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 tomato, red onions and bell pepper (if using). Top with cheddar cheese, then the lettuce/cabbage, and finally with black olives, corn, cilantro and green onions, if using. Dollop with extra sour cream if desired. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving
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. You can also cook the meat with the taco seasoning and omit the beans. Sometimes canned refried beans are very dry so I recommend Homemade Refried Beans. However, two excellent brands of canned refried beans are Kuner’s (both varieties) and Sunnyside (spicy jalapeno variety) but if the brand you buy is too dry, just add water until the desired consistency is reached.
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Hi! I came across this post searching for a good side dish that featured beans. I made this for a potluck for a Boy Scouting event and it was the first empty tray on the table! Thanks for the recipe! Oh, I also included the homemade tortilla chips — what a hit!
People at potlucks now expect this dish from me every time. And with the homemade tortilla chips it is always the first dish gone which is surprising given how much food it is. I’m glad you enjoyed it! ~ Nick