Pinto Cheese Casserole

Dive into the comforting, bold flavors of this Pinto Cheese Casserole, a Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s equal parts creamy and satisfying. Packed with hearty pinto beans, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and a hint of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies, this easy-to-make casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite. The addition of sautéed onions and garlic combined with warm spices like cumin and paprika elevates the dish, while a crispy topping of crushed tortilla chips (optional, but highly recommended!) adds a delightful crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this bubbly, cheesy casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with fresh guacamole, salsa, or a side of rice for a complete Tex-Mex feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups canned pinto beans
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 medium diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the pinto beans, cream cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4

Fold in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped cilantro.

Step 5

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.

Step 6

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 7

If using, add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese for added crunch.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden on top.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm, either as a main dish or a side with your favorite Tex-Mex-style accompaniments!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1933.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3424.0

Total Fat 239.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 135.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 619.1mg	0%
Sodium 6512.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 236.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.5g	0%
Total Sugars 38.2g
Protein 123.8g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 2557.6mg	0%
Iron 15.6mg	0%
Potassium 3411.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 26.3%