Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This dish combines creamy beans with melted cheese sandwiched between golden, crispy flour tortillas, delivering a comforting and speedy meal. It’s easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, ideal for a quick lunch or snack. Enhance flavors with optional toppings like salsa, avocado, or sour cream. Using a skillet, each quesadilla is cooked until the cheese melts thoroughly and tortillas turn perfectly golden. Variations like vegan cheese or whole wheat tortillas add versatility. This classic Mexican-inspired dish balances protein and carbs for a nutritious bite.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:50:00 GMT
Golden-brown Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, are sliced and ready to serve with toppings. Save
Golden-brown Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, are sliced and ready to serve with toppings. | ovenharmony.com

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

I remember making these quesadillas with my family on busy weeknights & everyone loved customizing their own with various toppings.

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 blend
  • Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Salsa (optional): to serve
  • Sour cream (optional): to serve
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional): to serve
  • Chopped cilantro (optional): to serve

Instructions

Mash the 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 tortilla:
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
Cook quesadilla:
Cook for 2 to 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.
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Making these quesadillas was always a fun moment at the table & everyone reached for their favorite toppings to share.

Variations and Add-Ins

Try adding sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños, or diced tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Allergen and Nutritional Info

Contains wheat and dairy & double-check ingredient labels if you have sensitivities. Each serving has about 350 calories, 16g fat, 36g carbohydrates, and 15g protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, and chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

A close-up of crispy, melty Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a fast and flavorful lunch option. Save
A close-up of crispy, melty Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a fast and flavorful lunch option. | ovenharmony.com

Enjoy these quesadillas for lunch or a quick dinner & they're guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser every time!

Recipe FAQ

What type of beans work best for this dish?

Canned black beans or pinto beans are ideal as they provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with cheese.

How can I make the quesadillas crispier?

Cooking on medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil and pressing gently with a spatula helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes can enhance the flavor and add texture.

What are good serving options?

Serve with toppings like salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or guacamole to complement the flavors and add freshness.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based cheese and substitute butter with neutral oil to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining taste and texture.

Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Creamy beans and melted cheese in crispy tortillas make a simple, satisfying dish for any time.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Main

01 8 medium flour tortillas
02 1.5 cups canned black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
03 2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mixed cheese
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 in a bowl using a fork for easier spreading.

Phase 02

Heat skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil to coat the surface.

Phase 03

Assemble quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese over half of the tortilla, then top with approximately 3 tablespoons mashed beans.

Phase 04

Fold tortilla: Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Repeat cooking: Remove from skillet and repeat the assembly and cooking process with remaining tortillas and filling.

Phase 07

Serve: Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve warm with desired toppings such as salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (flour tortillas) and dairy (cheese, butter, or sour cream if used). May contain soy; verify ingredient labels.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 15 g