Cheesy Pinto Beans Recipe
Cheesy Pinto Beans is a quick and flavorful vegetarian side dish featuring sautéed garlic and jalapeño, blended and whole pinto beans, seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and hot sauce, then enriched with melted cheddar cheese for a creamy texture. Perfect as a hearty side or topping over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 15oz cans pinto beans*
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves finely and dice the jalapeño after removing the stem and seeds to control heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a pot over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño. Sauté for about one minute or until the garlic releases a fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Puree Beans: Pour one can of pinto beans, including the liquid, into a blender and puree until smooth to create a creamy base for the dish.
- Combine Beans: Add the pureed beans along with the drained second can of whole pinto beans into the pot with the sautéed garlic and jalapeño. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season and Heat: Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and hot sauce to the pot. Stir well and continue to heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the beans are heated through and well seasoned.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beans and stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted into the mixture, creating a smooth, cheesy texture.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the cheesy pinto beans hot over rice or alongside your favorite meal for a comforting and tasty addition.
Notes
- Removing seeds from jalapeño reduces heat if you prefer milder beans.
- Sautéing garlic briefly prevents bitterness and enhances flavor.
- Pureeing half the beans adds creaminess while keeping texture from the whole beans.
- Use preferred hot sauce to adjust spice level.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or as a side to grilled meats.
- Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian by selecting appropriate hot sauce and cheese options.
Keywords: cheesy pinto beans, pinto beans recipe, cheesy beans, Mexican side dish, vegetarian beans, easy bean recipe, quick side dish
Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/cheesy-pinto-beans-recipe/
