Recipe: Cheeseburger Beans

When you want a cheeseburger but all you have is beans, make Cheeseburger Beans. Goes well with a hot dog or grilled chicken. Serves two as a main dish, or four as a side.

Ingredients:
Approx. 15 ounce can pinto beans, or equivalent amount of cooked dried beans
1/4 cup or more finely chopped onions
1/4 cup or more finely chopped dill pickle (about 1 medium pickle)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 T yellow mustard (for Texas Cheeseburger Beans) OR 1 T yellow mustard and 1 T ketchup
Granulated garlic, to taste (optional)
1 t finely chopped jalapeño, optional
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method: drain beans and transfer to a microwave/oven-safe serving dish. Mix in all ingredients except cheese and adjust the seasoning. Cover and cook on high in microwave (about 3 minutes) OR 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven, until the beans are thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot.