Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños
A warm, cheesy bean dip spiced with roasted jalapeños and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for summer parties and game day gatherings. This mexican-inspired snacks (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends shredded Monterey Jack cheese, finely diced red onion, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned pinto beans
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 whole, roasted and diced jalapeño peppers
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- for serving tortilla chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 2 whole jalapeño peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until skins are blistered. Remove and let cool, then dice finely.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely diced red onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed pinto beans and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the diced roasted jalapeños. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 4: Mash the bean mixture lightly with the back of a spoon until chunky but spreadable. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice over the dip. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheesy Skillet Bean Dip with Roasted Jalapeños vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
