Kamil Perry
There is conflicting information about whether or not pintos and cheese are gluten-free. Some sources indicate that the dish is not gluten-free, citing the presence of gluten in the red sauce that comes with the pintos. Other sources suggest that it is possible to make gluten-free cheesy pinto beans at home or enjoy them at certain restaurants, such as Taco Bell, by substituting gluten-containing ingredients. It is important to carefully review the ingredients and preparation methods to ensure gluten-free options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are pintos and cheese gluten-free? | It depends on the ingredients and preparation methods. Some sources suggest that pintos and cheese can be made gluten-free, while others indicate potential gluten contamination or the presence of gluten in sauces and other added ingredients. |
| Gluten-Free Cheese Options | Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, and other plain cheeses are generally gluten-free. However, flavored cheeses, such as some cream cheeses, may contain gluten. |
| Gluten-Free Pinto Beans | Pinto beans themselves are naturally gluten-free. However, when used in prepared dishes, they may come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients or be contaminated during preparation. |
| Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese | There is conflicting information about whether Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese contain gluten. Some sources claim it is gluten-free, while others state that the red sauce or ingredients like oats or wheat in the beef may contain gluten. |
| Gluten-Free Alternatives | Taco Bell offers other gluten-free options, such as crunchy tacos, power bowls, and plain cheese nachos. However, cross-contamination is a concern, and customers with celiac disease are advised to exercise caution. |
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What You'll Learn
Pinto beans are naturally gluten-free
It is important to distinguish between naturally gluten-free foods and dishes that are gluten-free due to their recipes. Pinto beans are naturally gluten-free, but this does not mean that all dishes containing pinto beans are gluten-free. For example, pinto beans are an ingredient in Taco Bell's Pintos and Cheese, which is not gluten-free due to the red sauce that accompanies the dish.
The Taco Bell website specifically states that the oats in their beef contain gluten, and that their steak contains gluten. However, some customers have noted that they have been able to eat the pinto beans without issue. One customer even stated that they substituted the beef for beans in various dishes and did not get sick, despite having celiac disease and being very sensitive to gluten.
Pinto beans are often used in gluten-free recipes, such as cheesy pinto beans, which can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or in bean burritos. This is a Mexican-style bean dish full of flavor and spices, with onions, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
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Refried beans are gluten-free unless additives are included
Refried beans are naturally gluten-free, and two major brands (Old El Paso and Rosarita) are considered gluten-free. However, it is always good to check the label, as refried beans could have flavourings or additives that include gluten. Manufacturing processes can also lead to cross-contamination, so it is important to be vigilant when checking the ingredients list.
Some people who follow a gluten-free diet have reported adverse reactions to refried beans. It is unclear whether this is due to gluten or another ingredient. To avoid potential cross-contamination, some people choose to buy dried beans and prepare them at home. They recommend thoroughly rinsing the beans with clean water until the water runs clear, which can help ensure the removal of any gluten traces.
When eating out, it can be challenging to find gluten-free options, and cross-contamination is a concern. Some people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease opt for certified gluten-free products or prepare their meals at home to ensure their food is safe.
For those who enjoy Mexican-style dishes, gluten-free cheesy pinto beans can be a delicious option. This dish combines pinto beans with cheese and various spices, baked and served hot as a dip with tortilla chips or in bean burritos. However, when ordering at restaurants, it is important to inquire about gluten-free options and request necessary precautions, such as asking staff to change their gloves to minimise cross-contamination.
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Most cheese is gluten-free, but check the label
While most cheeses are gluten-free, it is important to read the labels of all packaged or processed cheese products before consuming them. This is because gluten can be present in foods that contain cheese as one of their ingredients. Gluten is a type of protein naturally found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is also present in many processed foods like bread, pasta, noodles, and cereals.
Some varieties of cheese that are usually gluten-free include cheddar, cottage, cream, feta, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, ricotta, and Swiss cheese. Blue cheese is also usually gluten-free, but there is some debate around this. This is because mold spores are added to the milk mixture to make blue cheese, and these spores are sometimes grown on rye or wheat bread. However, blue cheese rarely contains more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the lowest amount of gluten that can be detected with available scientific tools. Therefore, it should not trigger a gluten allergy.
Cheeses that have undergone additional processing, such as shredded cheese or cheese spread, are more likely to contain gluten. This is because starch is sometimes added to shredded cheese to prevent the shreds from sticking together, and this starch may contain gluten. Similarly, gluten may be added to cheese spreads to help with their consistency.
Dairy-free cheese may also contain gluten, as some dairy-free cheeses are made with flour. Cheesecake is another example of a dairy product that is often not gluten-free, as the crust is typically made with wheat flour.
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Dairy-free cheese may contain gluten
It is important to note that while pintos and cheese can be gluten-free, certain sauces and additives may contain gluten. For instance, a user on findmeglutenfree.com noted that while they had read on non-Taco Bell websites that pintos and cheese are gluten-free, they got sick after consuming them. They later found out that the red sauce that comes with the pintos contains gluten. This highlights the importance of checking the ingredients and official sources before consuming any food item.
When it comes to dairy-free cheese, while most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, some brands may contain gluten. It is always important to read labels and check ingredients to ensure that the product is truly gluten-free. Some recommended gluten-free dairy-free cheese options include Violife, which offers slices, shreds, and feta cheese, and Follow Your Heart, which provides cheese slices and shreds as well as salad dressings and dips. Kite Hill is also suggested for cream cheese, Parmesan-type cheese, and feta cheese. Miyoko's and Forager are other popular choices for dairy-free cheese enthusiasts.
It is worth noting that some individuals with gluten sensitivities may also have lactose intolerance or choose to follow a vegan diet, which would require them to opt for dairy-free cheese options. In such cases, it is crucial to select dairy-free cheese that is also gluten-free to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. This can be achieved by opting for brands that specifically cater to gluten-free and dairy-free diets, such as Violife and Follow Your Heart, as mentioned earlier.
Additionally, when preparing dishes like gluten-free cheesy pinto beans, one can use gluten-free dairy-free cheese alternatives. This ensures that the dish remains gluten-free and suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It is always advisable to be cautious and check multiple sources and ingredients lists to make an informed decision about the food choices available when it comes to gluten-free options.
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Gluten-free cheesy pinto beans recipes
There are several gluten-free cheesy pinto beans recipes that are easy to make and can be served as a dip with tortilla chips or in bean burritos. Here is a simple recipe with a few variations that you can try:
Ingredients
- 1 can of pinto beans
- Chicken stock or broth
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Minced garlic
- Spices (smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor or blender, puree the pinto beans (drained and rinsed) with the chicken stock. Set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add your favourite spices and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Now, add the can of pinto beans, the bean puree, shredded cheddar cheese, and monterey jack cheese to the onion mixture. Stir everything together. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart or 8x8 glass baking dish. Top with any remaining cheese. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll know the beans are done when they start bubbling around the edges.
Variations
You can serve this dish hot right out of the oven, or cold as a dip the next day. If the dip becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of olive oil and reheat to regain the creamy consistency. You can also use this recipe as a filling for bean burritos or as a side dish with rice and barbecued meat.
Other Recipes
Some other gluten-free recipes featuring cheesy pinto beans include Mexican-style pizza, loaded nachos, tostadas, and bean and cheese enchiladas. You can also simply season and puree your pinto beans, then serve them as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side dish with your favourite Mexican meal.
Precautions
When eating out, it is important to be cautious of gluten cross-contamination. Always check the ingredients and ask the staff to take precautions if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
Plain cheese and pinto beans are gluten-free. However, some Taco Bell customers have reported getting sick after consuming their pintos and cheese. It is advised to check the ingredients on the official Taco Bell website before eating.
Some gluten-free options at Taco Bell include crunchy tacos, power bowls, and rice and beans.
Some other gluten-free Mexican food options include Chipotle and the Cantina Bowl at Taco Bell.
