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 quesadillas on a busy weeknight and they quickly became a family favorite for their simplicity and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: 8 medium
- Canned beans: 1½ cups (black beans or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the beans:
- In a bowl, lightly mash the beans with a fork for easier spreading (optional).
- Heat the skillet:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Assemble the quesadilla:
- 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 and cook:
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
- Cook until golden:
- 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 Sharing these with my kids around the kitchen counter always brings a smile – they love picking their favorite toppings!
Recipe Variations
Try adding sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for even more flavor, or swap in whole wheat or corn tortillas for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro for a delicious meal or snack.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 16 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein.
Save These bean & cheese quesadillas are perfect for quick meals – enjoy customizing them with your favorite flavors!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beans work best?
Canned black or pinto beans are perfect, drained and rinsed for a creamy texture.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blends melt well and add rich flavor.
- → How do I get crispy tortillas?
Cook quesadillas in a lightly buttered skillet, pressing gently until golden on both sides.
- → Are there ways to add more flavor?
Try adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes to the filling mix.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheese and oil instead of dairy butter for a vegan-friendly option.