Monterey Beans And Cheese
A hearty and flavorful bean and cheese dish with fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of kidney beans, tomatoes, and melted Cheddar creates a comforting, savory meal that pairs well with rice and is suitable for casual or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the sliced onion and diced green pepper until tender.
- Add the cooked kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until blended and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 pound of Cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve on top of rice or mix with rice. Enjoy with carrots.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or a dash of cumin to the sautéed onions and peppers. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes. Adjust the chili powder according to your spice tolerance. You could also use fresh herbs like cilantro for garnish to enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, making it a hearty meal. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch. For a complete experience, consider offering homemade picante sauce or avocado slices on the side. Enjoy with some corn tortillas for a delightful texture contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monterey Beans And Cheese contains roughly 211 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2351mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving and add the cheese at the end to melt. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
Is there a vegan option for this dish?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The dish is already vegetarian, and with these adjustments, it can easily be adapted to fit vegan recipes.
What can I serve with Monterey Beans and Cheese?
This dish is versatile; it can be served over rice, as a filling for burritos, or alongside tortilla chips. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Mexican recipes like a fresh corn salad or guacamole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).