
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a side dish consisting of refried beans, enchilada sauce, and a three-cheese blend. It has been a menu item since the 1960s, and while there were reports of its removal in 2019, it appears to have returned to the menu as of October 2022. The return of this item has been welcomed by many customers, who have expressed their joy and relief on Reddit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taco Bell side item | Pintos N Cheese |
| Consists of | Re-fried beans, red sauce, and a three-cheese blend |
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, pepperjack, and cheddar |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Availability | Available on the Taco Bell website as of March 2025 |
| Removal from the menu | Several sites reported removal in 2019, but this is not corroborated by Taco Bell's press releases |
| Reinstatement | Reinstated as a menu item in October 2022 |
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What You'll Learn

Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is available to order on their website
While several sources indicated that Pintos N Cheese was removed from the menu in 2019, this was not confirmed by Taco Bell's press releases or other reports. In fact, even after its reported removal, some customers claimed they could still order it in stores and via the drive-through. In October 2022, it was officially added back to the menu, and customers could once again order it through the app.
Pintos N Cheese is a certified vegetarian and vegan option, depending on the ingredients used. Taco Bell's vegetarian and vegan options are lacto-ovo, meaning they allow the consumption of dairy and eggs but not animal byproducts. However, it's important to note that they use the same frying oil for vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, and cross-contact may occur.
As a side dish, Pintos N Cheese is a perfectly filling snack, especially for those on a soft-food diet. Its return to the menu has been celebrated by many, with some even suggesting new menu items incorporating the classic combination of beans and cheese.
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The side dish was originally sold as Frijoles in the 1960s
Taco Bell's side dish, Pintos N Cheese, was originally sold as Frijoles in the 1960s. Frijoles is a Mexican bean dish, which was served with cheese on top and in a small container. The dish has been a part of Taco Bell's menu since its opening in the 1960s.
Frijoles, or Pintos N Cheese, consists of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. The refried beans are made with pinto beans, soybean oil, and seasonings, while the three-cheese blend includes low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and pasteurized process Monterey Jack and American cheese with peppers. The red sauce, on the other hand, is made with water, seasonings, and spices, giving it a distinct flavour.
Over the years, there have been speculations about the removal of Pintos N Cheese from the Taco Bell menu. However, as of 2022, it appears that the side dish is still available for order on the Taco Bell website and app, much to the delight of its fans.
The return of Pintos N Cheese to the menu has been welcomed by many, with some expressing their joy on Reddit. The side dish has been a long-time favourite for many Taco Bell patrons, and its availability on the menu ensures that customers can continue to enjoy their beloved comfort food.
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It was removed from the menu in 2019, but returned in 2022
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a side dish consisting of refried beans, enchilada sauce, and a three-cheese blend. It has been a menu item since the 1960s, when it was originally sold as "Frijoles." While several sources reported that Pintos N Cheese was removed from the menu in 2019, it appears that the item was never officially discontinued. In fact, some customers claimed to have continued ordering it, and staff continued to prepare it upon request.
In 2022, there was excitement among Taco Bell fans as Pintos N Cheese officially returned to the menu. However, some customers claimed that it had never left their local menu, suggesting that its availability may vary by region. The return of Pintos N Cheese to the menu was not announced by Taco Bell in their press releases, leaving some customers confused about its status.
The removal of Pintos N Cheese from the menu in 2019 may have been temporary or regional, as there was no official confirmation from Taco Bell. It is possible that the item was temporarily removed due to supply chain issues or other operational challenges. By 2022, with the item's return to the menu, Taco Bell fans could once again enjoy Pintos N Cheese as a side or as an ingredient in their favorite Taco Bell creations.
The availability of Pintos N Cheese on the menu may have been impacted by Taco Bell's efforts to streamline their menu and focus on popular items. In recent years, the company has made strategic decisions to remove less popular items and simplify their offerings. However, due to customer demand and the item's long history with the brand, Pintos N Cheese has remained a staple on the menu, even if its availability may vary across regions.
In conclusion, while there was a brief period of uncertainty about the status of Pintos N Cheese on the Taco Bell menu, the item has persevered. Its removal in 2019 was short-lived, and by 2022, it had officially returned to the menu, much to the delight of Taco Bell enthusiasts. The side dish holds a special place in the hearts of many customers, and its unique combination of refried beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese continues to satisfy cravings and fuel late-night study sessions and work breaks.
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It consists of refried beans, enchilada sauce, and a three-cheese blend
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a side dish that has been available since the 1960s. It consists of refried beans, enchilada sauce, and a three-cheese blend. The refried beans are made with pinto beans, soybean oil, and a blend of seasonings, including salt, sugar, spices, and beet powder. The enchilada sauce, which is red in colour, includes ingredients such as water, maltodextrin, paprika, tomato powder, and spices. The three-cheese blend combines mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses, offering a mix of flavours and textures.
The three-cheese blend in Pintos N Cheese provides a creamy and savoury element to the dish. The cheeses used in the blend each bring their own unique characteristics. Mozzarella, known for its stretchy and gooey texture, adds a stringy quality to the blend. Cheddar contributes a sharp and tangy flavour, while also providing a slightly firmer texture. Pepper jack, with its signature spicy kick from the addition of jalapeno peppers, brings a touch of heat and a creamy mouthfeel to the blend. When combined, these cheeses create a harmonious combination that enhances the overall flavour and texture of the Pintos N Cheese.
While there were rumours circulating in 2019 that Pintos N Cheese had been removed from the menu, it appears that this item is still available for customers to enjoy. Some sources indicate that it may have been temporarily removed from the app and in-person menu, but it can still be ordered in stores. As of October 2022, several Reddit users have confirmed that Pintos N Cheese is officially back on the menu and available for order through the app.
The return of Pintos N Cheese to the menu has been met with enthusiasm from Taco Bell fans, with some expressing their joy and relief at being able to order it again. The side dish is often remembered fondly as a comfort food from their past, and its absence was felt by many. Now, with its reappearance, customers can once again indulge in the familiar flavours of refried beans, enchilada sauce, and the beloved three-cheese blend.
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It is certified vegan and vegetarian
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is a side dish that has been on the menu since the 1960s. It consists of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. The cheese blend includes low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, pasteurized process Monterey Jack and American cheese with peppers, and cheddar cheese.
While some sources indicate that Pintos N Cheese was removed from the menu in 2019, others suggest that it has always been available, even if not listed on the menu or app. As of October 2022, several comments on a Reddit post indicate that people were happy to see it back on the menu and available for ordering on the app.
Taco Bell's Pintos N Cheese is certified vegan and vegetarian. The American Vegetarian Association has certified it as a vegetarian option, allowing the consumption of dairy and eggs but not animal byproducts. However, it is important to note that Taco Bell uses the same frying oil to prepare menu items that may contain meat, and cross-contact may occur, which may not be suitable for certain vegetarian diets.
The refried beans in Pintos N Cheese are vegan, and Taco Bell offers a variety of vegetarian menu items, including the Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Cheese Quesadilla, Bean Burrito, and Veggie Power Menu Bowl. The cheese used in the dish is also suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain animal-derived rennet, a common issue for vegetarians looking to consume cheese.
While the dish is certified vegan, it is important to remember that veganism is not just about dietary choices but also about avoiding all forms of animal exploitation, including in clothing, cosmetics, and entertainment. As such, it is up to individual vegans to decide if they are comfortable consuming a product that may have come into contact with meat products during preparation.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2022, Pintos and Cheese is a menu item at Taco Bell. However, in 2022, some customers were asking why it wasn't on the menu anymore, and in 2019, several sites reported its removal.
Pintos and Cheese is a side available at Taco Bell. It consists of refried beans, a red sauce (reportedly enchilada sauce), and a three-cheese blend. It dates back to Taco Bell's opening in the 1960s, when it was originally sold as "Frijoles".
Yes, Pintos and Cheese is certified as vegetarian by the American Vegetarian Association. However, it is prepared in the same frying oil as menu items that may contain meat, so cross-contact may occur.

























