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
Mince the garlic and finely dice the jalapeño (remove the stem and seeds).
Add the garlic, jalapeño, and cooking oil to a pot. Sauté the garlic and jalapeño over medium heat for about one minute, or just until the garlic is very fragrant.
Add one can of pinto beans to a blender, with the liquid in the can, and purée until smooth.
Add the puréed beans and the second can of beans (drained) to the saucepot with the garlic and jalapeño. Stir to combine.
Season the beans with the smoked paprika, cumin, pepper, and hot sauce. Stir to combine, then heat through over medium, stirring occasionally.
Finally, add the shredded cheddar and stir until it has melted smoothly into the beans. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Serve over rice or with your favorite meal.
Key Points About Ingredients:
- Pinto beans are a nutritional powerhouse packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium — making them a filling and wholesome base for this dish.
- Smoked paprika adds a deep, woodsy warmth without any heat, complementing the optional jalapeño's fresh spice and giving the beans a complex, layered flavor profile.
- Using one can of puréed beans alongside one can of whole drained beans is the trick to achieving a creamy, restaurant-style texture without any cream or butter.
- Sharp cheddar cheese melts smoothly into the warm bean mixture, binding everything together while adding a rich, savory depth that elevates this simple side dish.
- A couple dashes of hot sauce at the seasoning stage brightens the entire dish — choose your favorite brand to customize the heat level to your preference.
Key Nutritional Insights:
- Each serving provides roughly 18–20g of plant-based protein when combining beans and cheese, making this a satisfying option even as a meatless main.
- Pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, with each serving contributing around 11g, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- Cheddar cheese adds a meaningful dose of calcium — approximately 200mg per serving — supporting bone health alongside the calcium already present in the beans.
- The smoked paprika and cumin are more than flavor boosters; paprika contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, and cumin has been associated with digestive support.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by substituting a plant-based shredded cheese, broadening its appeal for various dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size1
- Amount per serving
- Calories320
- Standard DV% Daily Value*
- Total Fat11 g72 g15.28%
- Saturated Fat4.5 g20 g22.5%
- Trans Fat0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat4 g
- Cholesterol18 mg300 mg6%
- Sodium620 mg2300 mg26.96%
- Total Carbohydrate38 g275 g13.82%
- Dietary Fiber11 g28 g39.29%
- Total Sugars2 g
- Added Sugars0 g50 g0%
- Sugar Alcohal0 g
- Protein18 g50 g36%
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)4 mcg20 mcg20%
- Calcium210 mg1300 mg16.15%
- Iron4 mg18 mg22.22%
- Potassium720 mg4700 mg15.32%
- Vitamin A420 mcg900 mcg46.67%
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)6 mg90 mg6.67%
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)1 mg15 mg6.67%
- Vitamin K8 mcg120 mcg6.67%
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.3 mg1.2 mg25%
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.15 mg1.3 mg11.54%
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)1.2 mg16 mg7.5%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)0.35 mg1.7 mg20.59%
- Folate145 mcg400 mcg36.25%
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)0.2 mcg2.4 mcg8.33%
- Biotin4 mcg30 mcg13.33%
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.5 mg5 mg10%
- Choline55 mg550 mg10%
- Phosphorus310 mg1250 mg24.8%
- Iodine8 mcg150 mcg5.33%
- Magnesium70 mg420 mg16.67%
- Zinc2 mg11 mg18.18%
- Selenium8 mcg55 mcg14.55%
- Copper0.35 mg0.9 mg38.89%
- Manganese0.7 mg2.3 mg30.43%
- Chromium2 mcg35 mcg5.71%
- Molybdenum85 mcg45 mcg188.89%
- Chloride40 mg2300 mg1.74%
