Copycat Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese
Turn Taco Bell’s nostalgic Pintos and Cheese into a delicious homemade version with this quick and easy recipe. Using pantry staples like refried beans, shredded cheese, and a bold red sauce, this dish is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or weeknight side. Bonus: It’s totally customizable and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 batch of Taco Bell Red Sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Assemble: Spread refried beans evenly in the pan. Add onions if using. Pour the red sauce over the top, then sprinkle cheese evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove foil, let it cool slightly, and serve with warm tortilla chips or fresh toppings.
Expert Tips
- Cheese it up: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for more flavor.
- Customize: Add toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sour cream for a fresher take.
- Make it spicier: Stir in hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeño for a fiery twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if cold.
Can I use homemade beans?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re smooth and thick, not watery.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the beans and cheese are vegetarian-approved brands.
Taco Bell Bean Pintos and Cheese CopyCat
Crave Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese? Try our easy Copycat recipe. Creamy refried beans topped with melted cheese for a quick and satisfying snack!
Ingredients
- 1 batch of Taco Bell Red Sauce (see previous recipe)
- 1 (15 ounces) can refried beans
- 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly coat an 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Pintos and Cheese:
a. In the prepared baking pan, spread the can of refried beans evenly.
b. Scatter the diced onions over the beans, if desired.
c. Pour the prepared Taco Bell Red Sauce over the beans and onions, covering them completely.
d. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce, evenly distributing it. - Bake the Pintos and Cheese:
- Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
- Place the pan on the center rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the baking pan from the oven and carefully uncover.
- Serve the warm and flavorful Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese immediately.
- This dish pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, providing a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 186Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 600mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 9g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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Final Thoughts
This Copycat Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese recipe is a comforting, crave-worthy side dish that’s ready in minutes. Whether you’re serving it at a party, movie night, or just craving fast food at home—this version is sure to hit the spot.
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