Creamy Cheesy Pinto Beans & Rice Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Cheesy Pinto Beans over Rice! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of creamy beans infused with bold spices and topped with melty cheddar cheese. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.

I love turning to this Cheesy Pinto Beans over Rice recipe on busy weeknights when I crave a comforting yet straightforward meal. The creamy beans, aromatic garlic, and a touch of smoky paprika create a delightful harmony that’s perfect as a main course or a versatile side dish. Plus, with pantry staples like canned pinto beans and cheddar cheese, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or hosting a gathering, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a hearty, delicious meal that everyone will love.

Quick Benefits

• Ready in just 20 minutes from pantry staples
• High in protein and fiber, making it satisfying and nutritious
• Budget-friendly meal at under $1 per serving
• Versatile as a main dish over rice or as a side

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Pinto Beans & Rice Recipe Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes from pantry staples
• Versatile as a main dish over rice or as a side
• Kid friendly with adjustable spice levels
• Budget friendly meal that tastes indulgent
• High in protein and fiber, making it satisfying and nutritious
• Can be made ahead and reheats beautifully
• Extremely budget friendly meal at under $1 per serving
• Customizable with ingredient swaps and additions for variety
• Secret smoky flavor from the smoked paprika
• Leftovers taste even better the next day
• Tips for smoother melting cheese and deeper flavor
• A comforting, easy-to-make dish that will brighten any mealtime

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Pinto Beans & Rice Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 dashes hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 cans (15oz each) pinto beans
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeño (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Pro Tips for Creamy Cheesy Pinto Beans & Rice Recipe

To make the best cheesy pinto beans over rice, consider grating your own cheese for smoother melting and better flavor. This will ensure a creamy and satisfying texture without any additives that pre-shredded cheese might have. If you have a few extra minutes, let the beans simmer a bit longer for deeper flavors to develop. This extra time allows the spices to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

For those who prefer more texture in their beans, reserve some whole beans to add back at the end of the cooking process. This will give a nice contrast to the partially pureed beans and create a more varied mouthfeel. These beans are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Try adding diced jalapeños, extra hot sauce, or chili flakes for a spicier kick. Serve them over rice, with tortillas, or as a side to grilled proteins or roasted vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Pinto Beans & Rice Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Finely chop the garlic and jalapeño, removing the jalapeño stem and seeds if desired.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine garlic, jalapeño, and cooking oil in a pot. Sauté over medium heat for approximately one minute until garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Step 03

Place one can of pinto beans, along with its liquid, into a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Step 04

Combine the puréed beans and the drained pinto beans with the garlic and jalapeño in the pot, stirring well.

Step 5: Step 05

Combine smoked paprika, ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and hot sauce with the beans. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Step 6: Step 06

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Step 07

Enjoy the cheesy pinto beans over rice or alongside your preferred dish.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying your delicious cheesy pinto beans over rice, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors of this dish will further meld together, making it even tastier the next day. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency, as the beans may thicken when chilled. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish at a later time.

Customizing this recipe to suit your preferences is easy and encouraged. You can swap pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans for a variation in texture. For a dairy-free option, substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or a plant-based alternative. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating diced tomatoes, green chiles, or corn. Serve the cheesy beans over rice, in burritos, on nachos, or even for breakfast over toast with a fried egg. Remember to grate your own cheese for smoother melting and consider simmering the beans longer for richer flavor if time allows.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have pinto beans on hand, feel free to use black beans or kidney beans in this recipe as a delicious alternative. While the texture may be slightly different, the beans will still absorb the flavors beautifully and provide a hearty base for the cheesy dish.

For those who prefer a spicier kick, you can customize the heat level by adding more diced jalapeños, increasing the amount of hot sauce, or sprinkling in some chili flakes. Adjusting the spice level allows you to tailor the dish to your preference and experiment with different flavor profiles.

To make a dairy-free version of this cheesy pinto bean dish, substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. This simple swap allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors of the beans without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving these cheesy pinto beans over rice, consider turning them into loaded bean bowls. Layer the beans with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, pickled onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness and color.

Another fun idea is to use the cheesy pinto beans as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and fill them with the bean mixture. Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. This dish makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

FAQs for Creamy Cheesy Pinto Beans & Rice Recipe

Can I substitute pinto beans with other types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans. The flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, increase the hot sauce, or sprinkle in some chili flakes to give this dish an extra kick.

What are some serving suggestions for cheesy pinto beans?

Serve them over rice, with tortillas, or as a side to grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Can I make a dairy-free version of the recipe?

Yes, simply substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it for a lighter version.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Cheesy Pinto Beans over Rice brings you as much comfort and joy as it has brought to my family. The simplicity of pantry staples coming together to create something so flavorful and satisfying never fails to amaze me. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a dish to share with loved ones, these cheesy beans are sure to hit the spot.

Remember, cooking is all about making a recipe your own, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them over rice, as a side dish, or even in a breakfast burrito, these cheesy pinto beans are a versatile and budget-friendly option for any occasion. So, whip up a batch, savor the flavors, and share the love with those around you. Happy cooking!