How Many Calories Are in Taco Bell Beans and Cheese?

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Taco Bell's official nutrition information, a single serving of Pintos 'N Cheese contains 170 calories. This popular vegetarian side dish, composed of slow-simmered refried beans and melted three-cheese blend, is a frequent query for those monitoring their diet, so knowing how many calories are in Taco Bell beans and cheese is essential for managing daily intake.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the caloric content and nutritional details for Taco Bell's beans and cheese, covering popular menu items like the Pintos 'N Cheese and the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. It offers information on protein, fiber, fat, and sodium, and suggests modification strategies to better suit dietary goals.

Key Points

Pintos 'N Cheese is 170 calories: This is the most direct beans and cheese item, featuring slow-simmered refried beans, three-cheese blend, and red sauce.
Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is 420 calories: This burrito includes beans, cheese, and rice, and significantly increases the caloric content.
Customize to reduce calories: Ordering items "Fresco Style" swaps cheese and creamy sauces for fresh tomatoes, lowering the fat and calorie count.
Beans add significant fiber and protein: Both the Pintos 'N Cheese and bean burritos offer a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein.
Be mindful of high sodium: Despite being a vegetarian option, many bean and cheese items contain high levels of sodium, so pay attention to your overall daily intake.
Beware of added ingredients: Extra items like creamy jalapeño sauce in the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito dramatically increase overall calories and fat.
Portion control is important: A single serving of Pintos 'N Cheese is a reasonable snack, but combining multiple high-calorie items can quickly escalate your intake.

The Core: How Many Calories Are in Taco Bell Beans and Cheese?

For many vegetarians and budget-conscious diners, the simple combination of beans and cheese at Taco Bell is a go-to order. The exact calorie count depends on the specific menu item, as the serving sizes and additional ingredients vary. The most direct example of beans and cheese on the menu is the Pintos 'N Cheese, which consists of just these two ingredients plus red sauce. A single order of Pintos 'N Cheese contains approximately 170 calories. It's a modest caloric count, making it a relatively light option among fast-food sides.

Breaking Down the Calories in Pintos 'N Cheese

To better understand the 170-calorie total, it's helpful to look at the macronutrient breakdown. According to CalorieKing, for a single serving of Pintos 'N Cheese:

Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 9g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 620mg

This nutritional profile shows a decent amount of protein and a significant boost of fiber, thanks to the pinto beans. However, it also has a relatively high sodium content for its size, which is a common characteristic of fast-food items.

Moving Beyond the Side Dish: Calories in Other Bean and Cheese Items

Of course, few people stop at just Pintos 'N Cheese. Taco Bell offers other menu items that feature this classic combo, adding to the total calorie count. One of the most popular is the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. This item adds a soft flour tortilla, Latin rice, and creamy jalapeño sauce, significantly increasing the total calories.

A standard Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito contains approximately 420 calories. This is a more substantial meal, and the added ingredients contribute to the higher caloric load. The creamy jalapeño sauce in particular, while delicious, adds calories and fat.

Nutritional Information: Pintos 'N Cheese vs. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Here is a comparison of the nutrition facts for two of Taco Bell's popular bean and cheese options:


Nutrient	Pintos 'N Cheese	Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito
Calories	170	420
Protein	9g	9g
Fat	6g	16g
Saturated Fat	2.5g	4.5g
Carbohydrates	20g	55g
Dietary Fiber	9g	7g
Sodium	620mg	920mg

As the table clearly demonstrates, adding the tortilla, rice, and creamy sauce more than doubles the calorie count and significantly increases fat and sodium. The fiber is actually slightly lower in the burrito, which is likely due to the balance of ingredients and higher proportion of refined carbohydrates from the tortilla and rice.

Customization for a Healthier Meal

For those watching their caloric intake, customizing your order is the most effective strategy. Taco Bell's website and app allow for easy modifications. For example, by ordering the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito "Fresco Style," you can replace the high-fat ingredients like cheese and creamy sauce with fresh diced tomatoes. This simple change significantly reduces the calorie, fat, and sodium content. Another option is to add guacamole for healthy fats, rather than a creamy sauce.

The Importance of Portion Control

When consuming any fast food, portion control is key. A single order of Pintos 'N Cheese can be a good, quick source of fiber and protein without a massive caloric commitment. However, combining it with other high-calorie items can quickly push a meal over the recommended daily intake. Being mindful of what you're ordering, and perhaps sharing larger items like the Nachos BellGrande, can help keep your calorie count in check. Even a regular Nachos BellGrande comes in at a hefty 730-740 calories, so customization or choosing a lighter option is advisable.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

To determine how many calories are in Taco Bell beans and cheese, you must first specify the menu item. The standalone Pintos 'N Cheese side is a modest 170 calories, offering a simple combination of fiber and protein. Meanwhile, the popular Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito clocks in at 420 calories, packing more fat, carbohydrates, and sodium. By understanding the nutritional differences between these options and knowing how to customize your order, you can enjoy Taco Bell while still aligning with your dietary goals. For those seeking the lowest calorie options, sticking to the base Pintos 'N Cheese or making strategic modifications is the best approach.

More information on Taco Bell's nutritional data can be found on their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard order of Taco Bell's Pintos 'N Cheese contains 170 calories.

The Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito from Taco Bell contains approximately 420 calories per serving.

There is a significant difference; the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito has 420 calories, while the Pintos 'N Cheese has only 170 calories.

To reduce the calories, order your burrito "Fresco Style." This replaces high-fat ingredients like cheese and creamy sauces with fresh diced tomatoes.

Yes, both the Pintos 'N Cheese and the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito are good sources of protein and fiber due to the beans. A Pintos 'N Cheese has 9g of protein, and the Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito also contains 9g.

While the beans and cheese provide fiber and protein, they are also high in sodium. The overall healthiness depends on the specific item and your overall daily diet. Modifications can make them healthier.

No, the calorie count varies significantly depending on the menu item. Items with additional ingredients like rice, tortillas, and creamy sauces will have a higher calorie total than simple sides like the Pintos 'N Cheese.