Spicy Cheesy Refried Beans

I am not always a big fan of refried beans.  They tend to be a little blah to me.  Not in this case, though!  I am always looking for new Mexican dishes, especially sides that are new and different for taco night and when I found these beans I knew I had to try them!  They were creamy, a little spicy and just the right amount of cheesy.  Plus, they are easy and you can make them for a few people or a whole lot of people!  Enjoy!

Spicy Cheesy Refried Beans (adapted from allrecipes.com)

1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (16 oz.) cans fat free refried beans (can also use vegetarian)
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
4 oz. light cream cheese
4 oz. (1 c.) shredded 2% milk cheese

Preheat the oven to 350.  Spray an 8X8 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.  In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat then add the onion and garlic.  Saute the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.  Add the refried beans, cayenne and  cream cheese and cook and stir until the beans are heated through and the cream cheese is melted.  Pour the mixture in the prepared pan and top with the shredded cheese.  Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

8 servings (165 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com