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
 * 1½ tablespoons chili powder
 * salt and ground black pepper to taste
 * 1½ cups grated cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
 * 3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions

 * 1) Cook onion in butter until soft but not brown.
 * 2) Add beans, tomato juice, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper.
 * 3) Simmer 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors.
 * 4) Add cheese and continue heating until cheese melts, stirring constantly.
 * 5) Serve bean mixture in soup bowls.
 * 6) Top with mound of rice (about ½ cup).