Best Easy Frijoles Pintos con Queso Recipe

Pinto beans simmered with melting cheese, chiles, and onion for a creamy, savory side. This vegetarian, protein-packed family comfort food is a northern Mexican favorite.

Cook 45 min Difficulty EASY 295 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #comfort food #mexican side
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • cooked pinto beans 3 cups
  • Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) 1.5 cups
  • onion (finely diced) 1 cup
  • green chiles (mild, chopped) 1 cup
  • butter 2 tbsp
  • whole milk 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 0.75 tsp
  • ground black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • ground cumin 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 48%
Protein 15 g 20%
Fat 10 g 32%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until foamy.

  2. 2

    Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until soft and translucent.

  3. 3

    Stir in the chopped green chiles and cook for 2 minutes, allowing their aroma to bloom.

  4. 4

    Add the cooked pinto beans with their liquid, salt, pepper, and cumin. Stir well and cook for 8–10 minutes at a gentle simmer, mashing some beans for a creamier texture if desired.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low. Stir in the whole milk, then gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing constantly until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Frijoles Pintos con Queso recipe?
The star ingredient is pinto beans, which provide a creamy base and distinctive flavor. The combination of Monterey Jack cheese, green chiles, and onion elevates the dish, but without the beans, you wouldn't have this classic comfort food.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or drying out the beans while making this recipe?
Cook the beans at a gentle simmer after adding them to the pan, and use just enough liquid to keep everything moist. Once you add milk and cheese, reduce the heat to low to prevent the cheese from separating and keep the texture creamy—not dry or rubbery.
Q. What makes the texture of this dish creamy?
The creamy texture comes from partially mashing the pinto beans during simmering and then folding in whole milk and Monterey Jack cheese over low heat. This careful sequence ensures the final dish is smooth and luscious.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 295 kcal and 15 grams of protein, making it a substantial vegetarian side that's packed with plant-based protein.
Q. Is this Frijoles Pintos con Queso recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. All the ingredients—pinto beans, cheese, milk, green chiles, onion, and seasonings—contain no meat or seafood.
AI 채팅 아이콘