Vegetarian Green Chile and Pinto Bean Layered Mexican Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 T olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped small
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped small
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 15 oz. cans pinto beans
• 1 can whole green chiles
• 1 cup Green Chile Enchilada Sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups grated Mexican Blend Cheese

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375F/190C. Coat an 8X8 inch glass or crockery casserole dish with non-stick spray. A 12 Cup Bake-and-Store Glass Casserole Dish works well here, but any dish that is close to that size is fine.
2. Pour the pinto beans into a colander, rinse them with cold water until the foaming stops, and leave them to drain. Set a second colander in the sink and drain the whole green chiles there.
3. Warm the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and green pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to take on a little color. Add the garlic, cumin, and salt, and cook for another minute or two.
4. Add the drained beans to the pan and cook for 3-4 minute, then lightly mash them. A potato masher is easiest, though a large fork will do the job too. Stir in the cup of green chile enchilada sauce and let the mixture simmer until the beans have taken up most of the sauce. Turn off the heat, then mix in the sour cream.
5. As the beans cook, use your fingers to open the whole chiles. Pat them dry with paper towels and wipe away the seeds. This will take about 10 paper towels, and it is a step worth doing. Separate the chiles into two piles.
6. In the prepared casserole dish, layer half the whole green chiles, half the bean mixture, and half the cheese. Repeat those layers once more with the remaining whole green chiles, bean mixture, and cheese.
7. Cover the dish with its lid or foil and bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese has melted throughout. Take off the cover and bake about 20 minutes longer, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is beginning to brown. If the casserole is ready but the cheese needs more color, you can slide it under the broiler for a few minutes.
8. Serve hot, adding salsa, Green Tabasco Sauce, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.