Avacado bean Dip

2 Avocados

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tbsp sour cream

1/2 tsp. salt or to taste

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 c. fresh or frozen corn

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

In a nonstick pan, without oil, add the onion and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until starting to brown. Add the corn and continue to cook until it is also browned. 

Meanwhile, mash one of the avocados with the sour cream, garlic, and salt. Chop the remaining avocado.

Stir the chopped avocado, corn and onions, and black beans into the mashed avocado. Taste for seasoning and serve with chips.

Enchilada Pasta

The meat and the amount in this is totally up to you. You can use all ground beef, all beans, or a combination of the two. If using all beans I would add 2 - 3 cans of drained black or pinto beans. In combination I would use about half a pound of ground beef and then a can or two of drained beans.

1.5 lb ground beef

Salt & Pepper

1 (19 oz.) can red enchilada sauce

1 (15 oz.) can nacho cheese sauce

1 (4 oz.) can diced chilies

8 oz. egg noodles

1/2 c. water

Sour cream, shredded cheese, and crushed corn chip to garnish

If using, season the ground beef with salt & pepper and cook, crumbling, until no longer pink.

Add all the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender. 

Remove from heat and serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese and crushed chips. 

Southwestern pork and beans

2 lb. cheap cut of pork (I used boneless ribs)

3 cans black beans, undrained

2 tsp. Chili powder

2 tsp garlic
1 tsp. onion salt
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. pepper

Salt to taste

Hot cooked brown rice or tortillas

Combine the seasonings and sprinkle generously over the ribs. Brown the rib in a nonstick pan, add a little bit of oil to your pan if you aren't using no-stick.

Place in the crock pot and cook on high for 2 - 3 hours or until the meat is easy to separate from the fat.  Discard the fat and strain the liquid. Place the meat, liquid, and cans of beans in the crock pot. Replace the lid and cook on high for 2 - 3 hours or until ready for dinner. Serve over cooked rice or strain and eat in tortillas with cheese.

A fresh Salsa with large chunks of tomatoes is best for this salad. I actually use Sam's club bottled bruschetta. I drained the oil off and stirred in some cilantro, but any salsa will do. Feel free to add or subtract and ingredients you like or don't like.  I had originally intended to add cheese to it but once I had everything thrown together I decided it didn't need it. I also loved it before I added the sour cream and even more afterwards but whether you want it on yours is up to you. If your sour cream is really thick I recommend whisking in a tablespoon of milk to thin it out and make it easier to stir in. I cooked my chicken on the stove top and after I had removed it from the pan I added the corn and sauteed that until it was golden in spots but that is optional too. For a meatless dish just leave out the chicken and add an extra can of black beans. We liked this even better the next day warmed up and with a can of Mexican cheese sauce poured over it.

8 oz. small pasta

1 can enchilada sauce

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 1/2 c. salsa

1 lb. chicken breasts

2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning

1 c. sour cream (optional)

Optional: Black olives, sliced green onions, avocado chunks, chopped bell peppers, grated cheese, etc...

Toss the chicken with the taco seasoning. Either bake (at 375 for 30 minutes) or fry until cooked. Set aside, when cool enough to handle chop. 

Cook the pasta in lightly salted water until al dente. Drain, immediately add the can of enchilada sauce, and stir. Chill until cold. 

Combine the chicken, pasta, and remaining ingredients. Chill salad until cold again, at least 2 hours. Stir in the sour cream right before serving.

Tex-Mex Casserole

I have seen several versions of this floating around on the internet lately. One blog said it was a Taste of Home Best casserole recipe, though I couldn't find it on their site.

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1/2 lb ground beef

2 cans black beans, drained

2 Tbsp. Taco seasoning

1 onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can corn, drained

1/2 green pepper, chopped

3/4 c. salsa

1 can enchilada sauce

2 Tbsp. Italian salad dressing

1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese

1 small can sliced black olives (optional)

2 c. cheese

6 corn tortillas, cut into wedges

Serve topped with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado wedges

Cook the ground beef and taco seasoning together, crumbling the meat, until cooked all the way through. Add the onion, garlic, and pepper. When the onion is tender add corn and cook 2 minutes longer. Add remaining ingredients except cheese and tortillas. Stir to combine well.

Place half the meat mixture in the bottom of a 9x9 casserole dish. Top with 3 of the tortillas and 1 c. of the cheese. Top with remaining meat mixture, tortillas and cheese.

Bake at 425 for 15 - 20 minutes.

Cheesy dip

I buy nacho cheese sauce in #10 cans at Sam's club. Then I added some veggies and beans to have for a quick lunch. If you want more heat in it add some jalapenos in with the bell peppers or add a 4 oz. can of diced jalapenos in with the salsa verde

1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 red pepper chopped
olive oil
1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained really well
1/4 c. salsa verde
1 can black beans, drained
4 c. cheese sauce

Saute the onion and pepper until tender, add the tomatoes and simmer to remove and excess liquid. Add the salsa verde and the beans and then stir in the cheese sauce. Heat through.

My top 5, from 2010

1. Gumbo

2. Palak Channa

3. Chicken Style Bean Stew

4. Pumpkin Cream Pasta

5. Caramelized Quinoa and Black Beans

Skillet Stroganoff

I while ago I posted a Stroganoff recipe that was for just the sauce. This is easier and the flavor of it is more like the stroganoff I ate growing up.


1 onion
olive oil
1 can black beans, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 lb pasta
3 c. beef broth
1/2 - 1 c. sour cream
1 Tbsp catchup
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire
1/2 tsp. browning
black pepper
1/2 tsp. McCormick Broiled Steak Seasoning + more to taste

Saute onion in olive oil until tender. Add the beans, soup, pasta, broth, catchup, Worcestershire, browning and steak seasoning. If the broth doesn't cover the pasta add water to cover. Cover and simmer until the pasta is al dente.

When the pasta is cooked remove from the heat and check for seasonings adding more steak seasoning or salt and pepper to taste. Stir in sour cream and return cover to the top of the skillet for about 5 minutes to heat through.

Bell Pepper Soup

olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 c. chopped cabbage
1 can white beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can tomatoes, undrained
1 can roasted bell peppers, drained and pureed
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
4 c. water
2 knorr Vegetable bouillon cube
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Thyme
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1 - 2 c. leftover cooked grains, I used barley, brown rice would be good too
Black pepper to taste
Hot sauce to taste

Saute the onion, garlic, and celery in olive oil until tender. Add the cabbage and cook one minute.

Add all the remaining ingredients and simmer until vegetables are tender.

Taste and add more salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste.

Mexi Confetti Bake

1 c. cooked white rice
1 c. cooked brown rice
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped (optional)
1 can black beans, drained
1 can mexi corn, drained
1/2 c. salsa verde
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1/2 c. grated cheese

Combine the cilantro and the salsa verde in a blender and puree until smooth. Combine remaining ingredients and cilantro mix. Pour into a casserole dish and bake, covered, at 400 until heat through, about 20 minutes.

Spicy Vegetable Pinto Soup

olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thick sliced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1 tbsp chili powder
1 (15 oz). can hominy, drained
1 (8oz). can tomato sauce
3 c. water
1 Knorr Vegetable bouillon cube
1 can pinto beans, drained (white, kidney and black beans all work great here too)
2 handfuls of spinach, chopped
1 - 2 c. cooked quiona

Saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the red bell pepper, jalapeno and zucchini and cook until bell pepper is cooked, the zucchini wont be yet but that is fine. Turn the heat to medium and add the cumin, oregano, chili powder and some salt and pepper. Add the tomato sauce, hominy, spinach, beans, water, and bouillon cube. Simmer until veggies are tender about 20 minutes. Add the quinoa and simmer just until the quinoa is heated through.

Heathers Chicken Enchiladas

We have our first quest post!!! When she first sent me the recipe they came with this endorsement "Everyone that has had these requests them again, and every time I make them the dish gets scraped clean."


-2 split chicken breasts, cooked - we also sometimes cheat and just use the canned chicken

-1 can Rotelle tomatoes
-1 can green enchilada sauce (use 1/2 for the filling, 1/2 for the sauce)
-1 can black beans, undrained
-1 can diced green chilies
8 oz cream cheese

shredded cheese to taste

tortillas

This is the simplest recipe! Combine everything , then fill each tortilla, turning seam-side down in a 9x11 baking dish. This usually makes about 8 enchiladas for us. Pour the second half of the can of enchilada sauce over the pan, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake @350 for 25-30 minutes.

I want to add that I added 4 sliced green onions to the filling, since I add onions to everything

Spicy Bean & Bacon Dip

2 cans black beans, smashed
1/2 lb bacon
1 onion, chopped
4 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. water
1/2 vegetable bouillon cube
2 chipotle chilies, chopped fine, adobo sauce reserved
2 oz. Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 oz. Bleu Cheese, crumbled

Saute bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and crumble, set aside. In the bacon drippings saute onion until tender. Add garlic and saute just until fragrant. Add the beans, water and bouillon cubes and simmer 10 - 20 minutes, until thick enough to dip into.

Add the chilies, 1 Tbsp of the reserved adobo sauce, cheddar, and bleu cheese. Stir to mix well, cover, removed from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes.

Uncover, stir to mix the melted cheese. Add the crumbled bacon and stir again.

Serve with corn chips

Vegetable Soup Penne

I wanted something that was similar to vegetable soup but in a pasta dish. This woul also be very tasty if you added cooked grains in place of the pasta such as brown rice, quinoa, barley or a mix of all three.

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
olive oil
1 c. baby carrots
1 c. frozen green beans
1 can tomatoes, undrained
1 can black beans, drained (white, kidneys, any variety will work)
3 c. Beef Broth (or imitation)
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 Tbsp. dried parsley (Fresh is awesome too)
1/2 lb. Penna Pasta

1 1/2 Tbsp. Cornstarch

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add carrots and broth, cover and simmer until the carrots are about halfway done. Add the remaining ingredients except cornstarch and simmer, covered, until pasta and vegetables are tender. Check a few times and make sure the pasta doesn't go dry adding more broth as needed. You want a decent amount of liquid when everything is cooked to make the sauce with.

Combine cornstarch and enough water to make a thin paste. Remove the lid from the pan and stir in the cornstarch. Simmer until sauce is thickened.

Southwestern Omelet

For additional flavor saute 4 strips of bacon and add that in with the filling

6 eggs
1/4 milk
1 Tbsp flour
salt and pepper to taste

cheese

1/2 can black bean
1/2 small onion
2 cloves garlic, mashed and minced
2 - 3 green onion, sliced, green parts too
1/4 green bell pepper, chopped

Sour cream
Salsa

For the filling:
Saute onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil until tender. Add the green onion and bell pepper. Cook 30 seconds and remove from heat. Add the beans

Whisk together milk and flour. Beat in eggs and salt a pepper to taste. Pour 1/4 or the batter into the pan and cook, rotating the pan until eggs are set.

Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle cheese down the middle and top with bean filling, Fold the sides over and remove from the pan. Top with sour cream and salsa.

Repeat with remaining eggs

Two great looking dip recipes I found on other blogs

I just thought these two dip recipes looked amazing

1) A black bean dip topped with cheese and broiled to perfection

2) A white bean and rosemary dip that also looked amazing

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

8 Tortillas

1 large sweet potato
2 large onions
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp. sugar
3 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
3/4 can black beans, drained
3/4 can corn, drained
1/2 bunch Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Melt butter and in a large skillet. Add onions and saute until tender. Add sugar and let the onions brown a bit over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are caramelized.

Meanwhile, prick the sweet potato all over and microwave until soft. Mash

Combine the mashed sweet potato, half of the caramelized onions, and cheese.

Heat the remaining onions, add the corn and cook a few minutes until the corn starts to get golden in spots. Add the black beans.

Divide the sweet potato mix evenly between the tortillas and spread on half. Sprinkle with a generous amount of chopped fresh cilantro. Top with bean and corn mix.

Heat a splash of oil in a pan, the one you used on the onions is fine, and cook each tortillas on either side until golden.

Pumpkin Enchiladas

I went to a pumpkin party last week and the host served these very tasty enchiladas.

The only change I made was to cut the meat in half and add a can of beans. You can make them entirely with black beans, just saute the garlic a few seconds with the onions before adding remaining ingredients and use two cans of beans

I think some cooked rice would make a great addition to the filling too

1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
olive oil
1 large can enchilada sauce
1/2 lb. ground chicken or turkey (optional, just add a second can of beans if not using)
1 can black beans, drained (pinto or adzuki would be good too)
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin
1 small can green chilies
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. taco seasoning
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Salt and pepper to taste

10 - 12 small corn tortillas
shredded cheese (optional)

Saute onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the garlic and meat and cook, breaking up large chunks of meat, until meat is cooked. Remove from heat and add 1/2 the enchilada sauce, black beans, pumpkin, chilies, and seasonings. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Put about 1/4 c. of the enchilada mixture into each corn tortilla. Roll closed and place in a casserole dish.

Cover with remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes until warm.

Pumpkin Chili

1 butternut squash
1 medium onion, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
Olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 c. beef broth (or imitation)
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 lb. ground turkey (optional)
1 can (15 oz.) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small can tomato paste
1 tsp. taco powder
1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sour Cream and Cheese to serve on top

Cut the butternut squash in half vertically, scoop out seeds, and place cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 10-15 minutes or so just until tender enough to cut. Remove skin and cut into small cubes.

Meanwhile, saute onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add ground turkey and taco seasoning and cook, while breaking up the pieces, until meat is cooked.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer at least 1 hour until flavors are blended and squash is tender.

Fall Black Bean Dip

I was thinking caramelized onions would be great on top in place of the green onions here,

2 c. refried black beans (for a recipe click here or canned works fine)
1 large sweet potato
2 Tbsp butter
Salt & Pepper to taste
small pinch cinnamon and nutmeg
Large dash cumin
Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
1 c. sour cream
Green onions, sliced

Corn chips or crackers to serve (I used the Food Should Taste Good brand multi grain chips)

Prick sweet potato with a fork a few times on both sides and bake until tender. When cooked remove center from the skin and mash. Add the butter and seasonings to taste.

Spread black beans in the bottom of a 9x9 pan. Top with mashed sweet potato. Spread with sour cream and top with green onions.