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Just like Taco Bells Copycat Pintos and cheese with Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce

Taco Bell Pintos & Cheese

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Indulge in a taste of nostalgia with our mouthwatering Copycat Pinto Beans and Cheese recipe, elevated to perfection with our homemade red sauce. Craving the unforgettable flavors of Taco Bell's iconic Pinto's N' Cheese? Look no further. Our meticulously crafted recipe captures the essence of the beloved Tex-Mex classic, bringing back the hot, fresh, and delicious memories you've been missing. We've spared no detail, using Old El Paso Refried Beans to ensure that signature creamy goodness, while our homemade red sauce adds an extra layer of savory goodness. Whether you're making burritos, taco salads, or just need a dip that hits the spot, our Copycat Pinto Beans and Cheese with homemade red sauce will transport you to a world of Tex-Mex bliss. Give it a try and experience the magic for yourself!

Copycat Taco Bell Pintos N' Cheese

1 Can Refried Beans (old El Paso)

1 Cup Water

1 Cup Cheddar Cheese

Extra Cheese For Topping

Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce

  • 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
    (adjust to taste for spiciness)

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt 

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Mexican Dishes

Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce

Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce

When striving to recreate Taco Bell's renowned red sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen, it's vital to follow a carefully curated homemade copycat red sauce recipe that incorporates essential ingredients (Seasonings) that make this sauce so distinctive. This DIY red sauce dupe is designed to authentically replicate the exact flavor and spiciness of Taco Bell's iconic sauce, providing comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for creating this restaurant-inspired gem from scratch. By meticulously emulating the original's taste and texture, this homemade clone of Taco Bell's red sauce allows you to savor the familiar and cherished flavors of your preferred fast-food Pintos and Cheese right in your own home, ensuring an indulgent dining experience that mirrors the beloved restaurant version.

How to make Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce

Copycat Pintos and Cheese Recipe Below

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to simmer.

  2. Add the white vinegar, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the simmering tomato sauce mixture.

  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

  4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer it milder or sweeter, you can adjust the brown sugar.

  5. Once you're satisfied with the flavor, remove the saucepan from heat and let the red sauce cool down.

  6. Once the sauce has cooled, you can use it immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week.​

How to make Copycat Taco Bell Copycat Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese

  1. Start by opening your can of Old El Paso Refried Beans. As mentioned earlier, this specific brand is crucial to achieving that authentic Taco Bell taste and texture.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the Old El Paso Refried Beans, water, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. The water will help achieve the desired creamy consistency.

  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the beans. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

  4. Once your Taco Bell-style refried beans are smooth, creamy, and bubbling, they are ready to serve.

  5. Ladle the beans into serving bowls. If you want to mimic the classic Taco Bell Pinto's N' Cheese experience, add the sauce above.

  6. Now, it's time to sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese on top. You can be generous with the cheese if you like it extra cheesy, just like at Taco Bell.

  7. These delicious Taco Bell-style refried beans can be served in various ways. Use them as a filling for burritos, as a topping for taco salads, or simply as a dip for tortilla chips.

  8. For the full Taco Bell experience, pair these beans with our Taco Filling for Burritos, and you'll have a Mexican dinner that's hard to beat.

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Enjoy your homemade Copycat Taco Bell Refried Beans, just like they used to be when they were hot, fresh, and delicious!

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Pintos and Cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with various Tex-Mex and Mexican-inspired dishes. Here are some popular options for what Pintos and Cheese can go with:

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  1. Tacos: Serve Pintos and Cheese as a tasty filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. It adds a creamy and flavorful element to your favorite taco creations.

  2. Burritos: Use Pintos and Cheese as a filling for burritos along with other ingredients like rice, grilled vegetables, and your choice of protein.

  3. Nachos: Top a bed of tortilla chips with Pintos and Cheese, along with additional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, and sour cream for loaded nachos.

  4. Quesadillas: Make a cheese quesadilla and add a layer of Pintos and Cheese inside for a delicious and comforting meal.

  5. Enchiladas: Incorporate Pintos and Cheese as a filling for enchiladas along with your preferred protein (chicken, beef, or pork) and smother them with enchilada sauce.

  6. Rice Bowls: Create a Tex-Mex rice bowl by layering cooked rice with Pintos and Cheese, grilled vegetables, salsa, and sliced avocado.

  7. Burrito Bowls: Build a burrito bowl with Pintos and Cheese as the base, then add your choice of protein, rice, lettuce, corn, and salsa.

  8. Chimichangas: Use Pintos and Cheese as a filling for deep-fried chimichangas along with other ingredients like shredded chicken or beef.

  9. Tostadas: Spread Pintos and Cheese on crisp tostada shells, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favorite toppings.

  10. Mexican Salads: Incorporate Pintos and Cheese into a Mexican-inspired salad, along with mixed greens, avocado, diced tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.

  11. Grain Bowls: Add Pintos and Cheese to a grain bowl with quinoa, farro, or other grains, along with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette.

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Pintos and Cheese's creamy and flavorful nature makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings.

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Storage Tips for Red Sauce:

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  1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover homemade red sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

  2. Freezing: To extend the shelf life, you can freeze the red sauce. Pour it into an airtight container or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Seal well and label with the date. Frozen red sauce can last for about 3-4 months.

  3. Portioning: Consider freezing the sauce in smaller portions, so you can defrost only what you need for future meals, reducing waste.

  4. Thawing: When you're ready to use frozen red sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually. You can also thaw it more quickly in a microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Storage Tips for Copycat Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese:

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  1. Refrigeration: If you have leftover Taco Bell-style Pintos and Cheese, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to consume them within this timeframe to maintain quality.

  2. Freezing: While refried beans can be frozen, their texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer bags. Remember to label with the date. Frozen Pintos and Cheese can last for 1-2 months.

  3. Thawing: To thaw frozen Pintos and Cheese, move them to the refrigerator overnight or reheat them directly from frozen on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade red sauce and Taco Bell-style Pintos and Cheese over multiple meals without compromising taste or safety.

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