Name: Creamy Baked Pinto Bean Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 30 ounce can pinto beans (two 15 oz. cans); 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block), softened; 2/3 cup sour cream; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/4 cup salsa (your favorite kind); 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided (1/4 cup for mixing, 3/4 cup for topping)

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Introduction

This creamy and flavorful bean dip is perfect for any gathering or casual snack time. Made with pinto beans, cream cheese, and a zesty blend of seasonings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and bake to bubbly perfection.

A white baking dish filled with a baked dip that has a golden melted cheese layer on top, scattered with sliced green onions and visible black pepper. The dip has one main thick layer beneath the cheese, showing a creamy, slightly orange base likely made of cheese mixed with other ingredients. A woman's hand is lifting a portion of the dip using a light brown tortilla chip, with melted cheese stretching between the dip and the chip. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a few green onion pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

30 ounce can pinto beans (two 15 oz. cans)
4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block), softened
2/3 cup sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Pour the pinto beans into a colander or strainer and let them sit for a few minutes to drain some of the liquid. Do not rinse the beans.
Step 3: Transfer the drained beans to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or forks to mash the beans until mostly smooth, leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 4: Add the softened cream cheese to the beans and mash further until well combined. Stir in the sour cream, taco seasoning, salsa, and 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
Step 5: Spread the bean mixture evenly into an 8-inch or similarly sized baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve warm with tortilla chips, use inside tacos, or as a flavorful Mexican side dish.

Tips & Variations

For added spice, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
Use black beans or refried beans as a substitute for pinto beans for a different flavor profile.
Top with fresh cilantro or green onions after baking for a fresh finish.
Try mixing in cooked ground beef or chorizo to make a hearty dip variation.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10–15 minutes or microwave until hot and bubbly.

How to Serve

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a baked dip showing a top layer of melted, golden and bubbly cheese with slices of light green scallions scattered on top. The dip is thick and creamy beneath the cheese, with visible layers where a woman's hand is lifting a chip covered in gooey, stretchy melted cheese from the left side of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the aroma of the warm cheesy dip is suggested by the texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use canned beans without draining them?

It’s best to drain the beans to remove excess liquid; rinsing is not recommended as it washes away some flavor. Allowing them to sit in a colander helps achieve the right consistency for the dip.