Save A quick comforting classic featuring creamy beans melted cheese and crispy golden tortillas & perfect for a speedy lunch or snack.
I first made these bean & cheese quesadillas on a busy weeknight when everyone was craving something warm and cheesy. They quickly became a go-to in our kitchen for easy lunches and after-school snacks.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Use 8 medium tortillas for the base.
- Canned beans: 1½ cups (black beans or pinto beans) drained and rinsed.
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups (cheddar Monterey Jack or a blend) for melting goodness.
- Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons for crispy golden tortillas.
- To Serve (optional): Salsa sour cream sliced avocado or guacamole chopped cilantro.
Instructions
- Mash beans:
- In a bowl lightly mash the beans with a fork for easier spreading (optional).
- Heat skillet:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Assemble quesadilla:
- Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly over half the tortilla then add about 3 tablespoons of beans.
- Fold and cook:
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
- Golden crisp:
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side pressing gently with a spatula until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat:
- Remove from skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas beans and cheese.
- Serve:
- Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Save Serving these quesadillas always brings smiles at the table especially when we let everyone customize with their favorite toppings like avocado or salsa.
Required Tools
Large skillet or griddle spatula mixing bowl (optional) knife.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas) dairy (cheese butter/sour cream if used). May contain soy. Always check ingredient labels especially for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 350 calories 16 g total fat 36 g carbohydrates and 15 g protein.
Save Enjoy these quesadillas hot & fresh for the crispiest best result. They make a quick crowd-pleasing dish any time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of beans work best?
Black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed, provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with cheese.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based cheese alternatives and swap butter for neutral oil for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What tortillas are recommended?
Medium flour tortillas are ideal for folding and crisping, but whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used for variation.
- → Can additional ingredients be added?
Yes, sautéed onions, diced tomatoes, or chopped jalapeños can be incorporated into the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- → How do I achieve a crispy exterior?
Cooking the filled tortillas over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil while pressing gently creates a golden, crispy crust.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, guacamole, and chopped cilantro add freshness and balance to the creamy filling.