Save It A quick, comforting classic featuring creamy beans, melted cheese, and crispy golden tortillas & perfect for a speedy lunch or snack.
The first time I made these bean & cheese quesadillas, my family was amazed by how simple yet satisfying they were. Now, they're a regular request for quick lunches & cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: 8 medium
- Canned beans: 1½ cups, black or pinto, drained and rinsed
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
- Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons
- 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:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Add Filling:
- Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese evenly over half the tortilla, then add about 3 tablespoons of beans.
- Fold & Cook:
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. 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 the skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas, beans, and cheese.
- Serve:
- Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Save It My kids love getting involved by adding their favorite toppings after I slice the quesadillas. It turns lunchtime into a fun family moment every time.
Required Tools
Large skillet or griddle, spatula, mixing bowl (optional), knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas) and dairy (cheese, butter/sour cream if used), may contain soy if present in store-bought ingredients. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 16 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein
Save It Serve hot for best results & enjoy with a side of salsa or your favorite toppings.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of beans work best for these quesadillas?
Black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and lightly mashed, provide a creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blends melt well and complement the beans perfectly.
- → How do I achieve a crispy tortilla?
Cook the folded tortilla on medium heat with a bit of butter or oil, pressing gently until golden brown on both sides.
- → Are there variations to add more flavor?
Try adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes inside the filling for extra depth.
- → Can these be made vegan?
Use plant-based cheese and replace butter with neutral oil to create a vegan-friendly version.