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Home » Seasonal » Summer Favorites » 3-Ingredient Cheesy Bean Dip

3-Ingredient Cheesy Bean Dip

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By: Shinee Published: 3/18/2022Updated: 8/01/2022

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Cheesy, creamy, and dippable, 3-ingredient bean dip takes less than 30 minutes to make! It requires minimal effort for maximum flavor and pairs perfectly with chips and tacos.

Bean dip in a casserole dish with a portion being scooped with a chip.

Table of Contents

  • Why you’ll love this bean dip recipe:
  • Key Ingredient Notes:
  • How to make bean dip:
  • Variations:
  • Make-Ahead Tips:
  • Storing Tips:
  • Leftover Ideas:
  • More Amazing Dips:
  • 3-Ingredient Bean Dip

Why you’ll love this bean dip recipe:

Who can resist a classic bean dip covered in melty cheese? Here’s why you need this irresistible dip:

  • Only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time
  • Delicious addition to your favorite Mexican recipes
  • Budget-friendly for a crowd

Enjoy this hot and bubbly dip with a side of tortilla chips, nachos, crackers, or sliced bell peppers!

Key Ingredient Notes:

This easy bean dip requires three simple ingredients, so make them count!

  • Refried beans – Since refried beans are the foundation of this recipe, it’s important to buy a quality brand with good flavor. Rosarita and Gebhardt are solid choices.
  • Salsa – As for salsa, make sure it’s not too runny. The thicker, the better! Or the dip will get too runny. Also, you can choose hot, medium, or mild, whatever your heart desires. I love mine spicy!
  • Cheese – I used a mix of sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Monterey jack cheese, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

How to make bean dip:

  1. First, preheat the oven so it’s up to temperature once you’ve assembled the dip. Lightly spray the baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Layer the refried beans and the salsa in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  3. Bake until the cheeses are hot and bubbly – about 25 minutes or so.
  4. Top with fresh cilantro, if desired. And serve with tortilla chips.
4 step by step images of making bean dip.

Variations:

  • If you prefer, you can swap out the refried beans for refried black beans!
  • Toppings aren’t necessary, but always delicious! Sour cream, sliced avocado, cherry tomato halves, pickled jalapenos, diced red onion, or scallions are great options!
  • For a little heat, stir canned green chiles into the refried beans before layering.
  • For a flavor boost, stir taco seasoning into the refried beans before layering.
Bean dip in a casserole dish.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Since refried bean dip is so quick to put together, it doesn’t save much time assembling ahead of time but you certainly can! Cover the homemade bean dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storing Tips:

  • Store bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For best results, reheat the dip in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The microwave works too if you’re short on time.
  • To freeze, transfer the cooled bean dip into a sealed freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best results.
  • Let the bean dip defrost in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Leftover Ideas:

  • Use it to make quick tostadas! Top baked corn tortillas with leftover bean dip and cooked ground beef. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
  • Spread into a flour tortilla with extra cheese for an easy, flavorful quesadilla. Grill or warm in a hot skillet.
  • Top tortilla chips with lots of cheese and leftover dip then bake! Top with lettuce, sour cream, and diced tomatoes for kid-friendly nachos!
Bean dip in a casserole dish.

More Amazing Dips:

If you love a cheesy dip, try one of these delicious dips!

  • Classic Reuben Dip
  • Simply Irresistible Jalapeño Popper Dip
  • Beer Cheese Dip
  • Spicy Cheddar Cheese Dip
  • Creamy Hot Cheese Dip

I found this bean dip recipe in one of the cookbooks I own, The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook, edited by fabulous suspense novel writer and former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, Kate White (I’m sure you know her!)

Now, go ahead and add this to your next game day menu. 😉

Bean dip in a casserole dish with a portion being scooped with a chip.

3-Ingredient Bean Dip

This crowd-pleasing appetizer takes less than 30 minutes to make. Cheesy, creamy, and dippable, 3-ingredient bean dip won't last long! It requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
5 from 2 votes
serves: 6 -8 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total : 30 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 (16oz/450gr) can refried beans Note 1
  • 16 oz (450g) salsa Note 2
  • 12 oz (350g) grated cheese Note 3

For serving:

  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish, optional
  • Tortilla chips
Note: I test all my recipes with both measurements for the most precise and accurate result!

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with a cooking spray.
  • Layer the beans and salsa in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheeses evenly on top.
  • Bake it for about 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly brown.
  • Top with fresh cilantro and serve warm with tortilla chips.

Tips & Notes:

Note 1: My go-to refried beans brads are Rosarita and Gebhardt. (Not sponsored!)
Note 2: Avoid runny salsa. The thicker, the better! Or the dip will get too runny. Also, you can choose hot, medium, or mild, whatever your heart desires. I love mine spicy!
Note 3: I’ve made this dip with all kind of cheeses. My favorite combination: cheddar and mozzarella, or Monterey jack and mozzarella. You can use whatever you have on hand.
Storing Tips:
– Store bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– For best results, reheat the dip in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The microwave works too if you’re short on time.
– To freeze, scoop the cooled bean dip into a sealed freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best results.
– Let the bean dip defrost in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 251kcal (13%) Carbohydrates: 6g (2%) Protein: 15g (30%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 60mg (20%) Sodium: 886mg (39%) Potassium: 271mg (8%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 931IU (19%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 432mg (43%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Author: Shinee
Course:Appetizer
Cuisine:American
Bean dip in a casserole dish with a portion being scooped with a chip.
Did you make this?Show me your creation! Tag me @shineshka and hashtag it #sweetandsavorybyshinee!
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This recipe was originally published on September 28th, 2015.

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  1. Susie E. says

    Posted on 15 August 2021 at 1:36 am

    Nice recipe excpet I don’t see how to layer the base, is it beans on bottom, then salsa in middle (cheese last of course)? Thanks Susie E.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 15 August 2021 at 7:40 pm

      Yes, spread the beans on the bottom, then salsa and top with cheese. There’s a video in the post that shows the entire process. 😉

      Reply
  2. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says

    Posted on 7 April 2016 at 8:56 am

    Love simple, this is a great dip Shinee!! Even without the beer. (!)

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 April 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks, Allie!

      Reply
  3. Stacy says

    Posted on 27 November 2015 at 6:22 pm

    Yes I does.  Thank you.  

    Reply
  4. Stacy says

    Posted on 23 November 2015 at 7:54 pm

    Can I make the bean dip the day before then heat it the next day. 

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 25 November 2015 at 9:34 am

      Hi, Stacy. You can layer everything and refrigerate it. Then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. mckenzie says

    Posted on 8 October 2015 at 5:19 pm

    I love that this only has three ingredients and looks SO YUMMY! I think that this would be perfect for so many events! Thanks for the share!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 9 October 2015 at 11:27 am

      Agreed! Thanks, Mckenzie. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Angela says

    Posted on 7 October 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Hi! This sounds delicious! Thanks so much for sharing it at The Wednesday Roundup!! ~Angela~ LeMoine Family Kitchen 

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 9 October 2015 at 11:24 am

      Thanks, Angela!

      Reply
  7. Cheryl says

    Posted on 6 October 2015 at 11:07 pm

    Can’t wait to try this! So simple and looks so good! Thanks

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 October 2015 at 8:35 am

      Thank you, Cheryl!

      Reply
  8. Nan a.k.a Granny Fabulosa says

    Posted on 5 October 2015 at 7:08 pm

    How can anything that looks that good be that simple?  Awesome!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 October 2015 at 8:28 am

      Right?? 🙂 Thanks, Nan!

      Reply
  9. Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says

    Posted on 5 October 2015 at 10:49 am

    I love this recipe for bean dip. Simple but full of flavor! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 October 2015 at 8:28 am

      Thanks, Lauren!

      Reply
  10. [email protected] says

    Posted on 3 October 2015 at 10:26 am

    This sounds so good and I love that it has just 3 ingredients!  Thanks for sharing on “Best of the Weekend” so that I could discover this yummy idea.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 4 October 2015 at 9:27 am

      Sure thing, Paula. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      Reply
  11. pam says

    Posted on 29 September 2015 at 5:01 am

    This is my kind of recipe!!!  

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 30 September 2015 at 8:43 am

      🙂 Glad you liked it, Pam. Thanks!

      Reply
  12. Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says

    Posted on 29 September 2015 at 12:43 am

    Yay, this looks so yummy and so simple to whip up! Sometimes other game day foods that you want to make require so much attention that it’s hard to create full game day spreads. I rely on simple recipes like this to be able to put out a few options for my friends and I to enjoy. I love all that cheesy goodness!

    And yes, show us your bump! I’m so happy for you <3

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 30 September 2015 at 8:43 am

      Yes, we definitely need a few simply and easy party food ideas on hand, don’t we? 🙂 Thanks, Beeta, for stopping by.

      Reply
  13. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    Posted on 28 September 2015 at 10:37 am

    That shot of the chip with the melty cheese… drooling! Pinning 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 28 September 2015 at 3:08 pm

      Haha love melty cheese!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Shinee! I’m so happy you’re here! I believe anyone can cook restaurant-quality food at home! And my goal is to help you to become a confident cook with my easy-to-follow recipes with lots of tips and step-by-step photos.

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