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Bean Cheese Quesadillas

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These quesadillas blend creamy mashed beans with gooey melted cheese inside warm, golden flour tortillas. Cooked quickly on a skillet, they offer a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for lunch or snack time. The crisp exterior contrasts perfectly with the soft, cheesy filling, while toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado add fresh accents. Variations with sautéed onions or jalapeños enrich the flavor, and using corn tortilla or vegan cheese allows customization.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:34:00 GMT
Golden, melted cheese oozing from a perfectly folded Bean & Cheese Quesadilla, ready to eat. Save
Golden, melted cheese oozing from a perfectly folded Bean & Cheese Quesadilla, ready to eat. | crumbnest.com

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, my kids loved how warm and melty they were. It quickly became a go-to for busy evenings when everyone wanted something simple.

Ingredients

  • Flour tortillas: 8 medium size for folding and crisping.
  • Canned beans: 1½ cups black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed.
  • Shredded cheese: 2 cups cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend for melting.
  • Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons for skillet crisping.
  • Salsa (optional): For dipping or topping.
  • Sour cream (optional): Adds cool creaminess.
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional): For extra richness.
  • Chopped cilantro (optional): Fresh flavor boost.

Instructions

Prepare the 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 butter or oil.
Fill tortilla:
Lay a tortilla in the skillet, then sprinkle ¼ cup cheese over half, and add about 3 tablespoons beans.
Fold:
Fold the tortilla to cover the filling.
Cook:
Cook 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden and cheese melts.
Repeat:
Finish with all tortillas, beans, and cheese.
Serve:
Slice into wedges and serve hot with favorite toppings.
Crispy, golden-brown tortilla halves filled with savory beans and cheese: the easy Bean & Cheese Quesadilla. Save
Crispy, golden-brown tortilla halves filled with savory beans and cheese: the easy Bean & Cheese Quesadilla. | crumbnest.com

These quesadillas always remind me of laughter at the kitchen table & everyone picking favorite toppings together.

Required Tools

Large skillet or griddle, spatula, mixing bowl (optional), and knife are all you need to get started.

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (tortillas), dairy (cheese, butter/sour cream if used). May contain: Soy (check labels). Always double-check ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 350 calories, with 16 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein.

A warm, melty Bean & Cheese Quesadilla served with salsa; a quick and delicious Mexican meal. Save
A warm, melty Bean & Cheese Quesadilla served with salsa; a quick and delicious Mexican meal. | crumbnest.com

Enjoy these cheesy quesadillas hot off the skillet & personalize with your favorite toppings every time.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of beans work best?

Canned black or pinto beans both provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with cheese and tortillas.

→ Can I add other ingredients inside?

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

→ What cheese varieties are recommended?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both melt well and give a rich, gooey filling.

→ How do I achieve crispy tortillas?

Cook quesadillas over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil, pressing gently until golden and crisp on both sides.

→ Are there alternatives for dietary preferences?

Using whole wheat or corn tortillas and substituting plant-based cheese and oil makes a delicious vegan option.

Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Creamy beans and melted cheese folded in golden tortillas, ideal for a speedy lunch or snack.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level 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 blend cheese
04 2 tablespoons butter or neutral 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 bowl to facilitate spreading.

Phase 02

Preheat skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil.

Phase 03

Assemble quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese over half of it, then add about 3 tablespoons of mashed beans on top.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Repeat and serve: Remove cooked quesadilla and repeat the process with remaining tortillas, cheese, and beans. Slice into wedges and serve warm with preferred toppings.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat, dairy; may contain soy. Verify ingredient labels to avoid allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

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