PINTO BEANS WITH TORTILLA-CHEESE CRUST

Pinto Beans with Tortilla-Cheese Crust image

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 15-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed, drained
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 28-ounce can Italian-style tomatoes, drained, chopped, juices reserved
1 cup canned chicken broth
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
8 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 cup finely crushed tortilla chips
1 cup packed grated Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños

Steps:

Puree 1 can beans in processor. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin; stir 1 minute. Mix in tomatoes, 1/2 cup juices, broth, pepper sauce, whole beans and pureed beans. Simmer mixture 5 minutes, stirring often. Add 6 tablespoons cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.)
Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle crushed chips over beans. Bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. Top with cheese; bake until melted, about 5 minutes. Top with 2 tablespoons cilantro.