Bean & Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Simple Lunches

These bean and cheese quesadillas offer a delightful blend of creamy beans and melted cheese folded inside golden, crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, they come together effortlessly in about 20 minutes. Use your choice of black or pinto beans and cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to customize the flavor. Serve warm with optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, and avocado for added freshness and richness.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:36:00 GMT
Golden, melty Bean & Cheese Quesadillas are sizzling in a pan, ready to be flipped for a yummy meal. Pin
Golden, melty Bean & Cheese Quesadillas are sizzling in a pan, ready to be flipped for a yummy meal. | kitchenprairie.com

A quick comforting classic featuring creamy beans melted cheese and crispy golden tortillas — perfect for a speedy lunch or snack.

I remember the first time I made these bean & cheese quesadillas for my kids on a busy afternoon. The golden tortillas and gooey cheese were an instant hit — now it's our go-to comfort food.

Ingredients

  • Main: 8 medium flour tortillas 1½ cups canned beans (black beans or pinto beans) drained and rinsed 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar Monterey Jack or a blend) 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil
  • 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).
Prepare Skillet:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
Assemble 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 Tortilla:
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
Cook Quesadilla:
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side pressing gently with a spatula until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted.
Repeat Process:
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.
Melted cheese spills from folded Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a simple yet satisfying Mexican lunch. Pin
Melted cheese spills from folded Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a simple yet satisfying Mexican lunch. | kitchenprairie.com
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My family loves gathering around the dinner table with these quesadillas fresh off the skillet. It's an easy meal that brings everyone together even on the busiest days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with salsa sour cream sliced avocado or guacamole and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

Ingredient Variations

Try adding sautéed onions chopped jalapeños or diced tomatoes to the filling for more taste. Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to mix things up.

Nutritional Information

Each quesadilla serving has about 350 calories 16 g total fat 36 g carbohydrates and 15 g protein — a hearty vegetarian choice.

Warm, spicy salsa enhances these golden-brown Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a quick and delicious choice. Pin
Warm, spicy salsa enhances these golden-brown Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a quick and delicious choice. | kitchenprairie.com

With just a few ingredients and minutes you'll enjoy this tasty meal anytime you need something fast and satisfying.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of beans work best?

Black beans or pinto beans both add creamy texture and mellow flavor, enhancing the quesadilla filling.

How can I achieve crispy tortillas?

Cooking the quesadillas over medium heat and pressing gently with a spatula helps create a golden, crisp exterior.

Can different cheeses be used?

Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses melt well and complement the beans nicely.

Are there variations for dietary preferences?

Substitute plant-based cheese and oil for a vegan-friendly option without compromising taste.

What toppings pair well with these quesadillas?

Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or guacamole add freshness and creaminess to each bite.

Bean & Cheese Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas filled with creamy beans and melted cheese, ready in minutes for a tasty meal or snack.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Diet specifications Vegetarian

Components

Main

01 8 medium flour tortillas
02 1.5 cups canned black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
03 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or blend
04 2 tablespoons butter or neutral cooking oil

To Serve (optional)

01 Salsa
02 Sour cream
03 Sliced avocado or guacamole
04 Chopped cilantro

Directions

Phase 01

Mash beans: Lightly mash the drained beans with a fork in a mixing bowl to facilitate spreading.

Phase 02

Heat skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.

Phase 03

Assemble quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet; evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese on half of the tortilla, then spread approximately 3 tablespoons of mashed beans over the cheese.

Phase 04

Fold tortilla: Fold the tortilla in half to encase the filling securely.

Phase 05

Cook quesadilla: Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula until the tortilla is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.

Phase 06

Repeat process: Remove the cooked quesadilla and repeat assembly and cooking with remaining tortillas, beans, and cheese.

Phase 07

Serve: Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm accompanied by preferred toppings such as salsa, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas) and dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream if used). May contain soy depending on product labels.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein: 15 g