Typically we’re not big fans of refried beans around here but with a few tasty, fattening additions they become something pretty darn spectacular. Whenever I make these my husband asks me, “are these those really good beans”? Yes dear, these are those really good beans. ☺️
I made these for the very first time as a bean dip for a Halloween party years ago and they were dubbed “Monster Mash”. They were such a hit that I have been making them for years ever since.
When serving these beans as a side I like to bake them in small individual ramekins. One dish for each person, but you can just as easily cook this up in a larger casserole dish.
TIP: When serving as a side dish in individual portions, place ramekins on a large cookie sheet to bake in the oven.
Alright then, let’s make these babies! You are going to love how easy it is to make this!
Get out a large mixing bowl and stir together all the ingredients, except the sliced olives, and reserving half the cheese and half the salsa.
Spread out the mixture evenly in an oven safe casserole dish. If serving as a side dish measure out equal portions in small ramekin dishes.
Top with a layer of salsa for some extra flavorful punch.
Top with remaining shredded cheese and sliced olives if using them and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
The beans are done when hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey and just beginning to brown ever so slightly along the very edges.
The beauty of this dish is that you can prepare it in advance, just stir together all the ingredients and it can hang out in the fridge until it’s time to bake it up, which makes it perfect to bring to potlucks or for entertaining. It may take an additional 10-15 minutes to get good and hot in the oven if you bake these beans straight out of the fridge.
A very versatile recipe as either a dip or a tasty side, they are great served either way! They also make a great dish to bring to a potluck. They are best when served piping hot straight out of the oven, so if the hostess has room in the oven, cook them up when you arrive at the party, but they can also be served at room temperature. When served hot the cheese is all hot and melty and gooey, and oh sooooooo good when shoveled into your mouth with tortilla chips!
Once you try this you will never go back to the basic boring old reheated refried beans out of a can, I guarantee it! So blah, boring and uninspired! Give these a try. They will become those “really good beans” at your house too!
World’s Best Refried Beans, aka “Monster Mash”
Equipment
- Oven safe casserole dish.
Ingredients
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can sliced black olives, drained
- tortilla or corn chips, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the refried beans, taco seasoning, ½ the salsa, ½ the shredded Cheddar cheese, and the sour cream.
- Transfer mixture into an oven safe baking dish. Spread mixture out in an even layer.
- Top with remaining salsa and remaining cheddar cheese.
- Finish with a layer of sliced olives.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly and cheese is melty and starting to brown along the edges.
- Serve as a tasty side dish to all your favorite Mexican dishes or as a dip with tortilla or corn chips for scooping.
Originally published July 2019, republished April 2024 with updated content, step-by-step instructions and additional photos.
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