Rice-topped Texas Jack

Description
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

 * 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
 * 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
 * 3 cups cooked pinto or red kidney beans*
 * 1 cup tomato juice
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
 * salt and ground black pepper to taste
 * 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
 * 3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions
Cook onion in butter until soft but not brown. Add beans, tomato juice, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors. Add cheese and continue heating until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Serve bean mixture in soup bowls. Top with mound of rice (about 1/2 cup).