Pin Recipe A quick, comforting classic featuring creamy beans, melted cheese, and crispy golden tortillas & perfect for a speedy lunch or snack.
I first made these bean & cheese quesadillas during a busy weeknight when everyone wanted something warm and filling, but we were short on time. They turned out to be an instant favorite in our house.
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
- Salsa: optional, to serve
- Sour cream: optional, to serve
- Sliced avocado or guacamole: optional, to serve
- Chopped cilantro: optional, to serve
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.
- Fill tortilla:
- 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.
- Grill 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.
Pin Recipe 
Pin Recipe On weekends, my kids love helping to assemble their own quesadillas, piling on cheese and picking their favorite toppings before we gather around for lunch.
Recipe Variations
Enhance your quesadillas by adding sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for a flavorful twist.
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet or griddle, spatula, mixing bowl (optional), and a knife for slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides around 350 calories, 16 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 15 g protein.
Pin Recipe 
Pin Recipe Serve these quesadillas hot and fresh for best taste & enjoy experimenting with new filling combinations.
Recipe FAQs
- → What beans work best for the filling?
Black beans or pinto beans, drained and lightly mashed, create a creamy, flavorful base that pairs well with cheese.
- → How do I get a crispy tortilla exterior?
Cook the filled tortilla over medium heat with a small amount of butter or oil, pressing gently until golden brown on both sides.
- → Can I customize the cheese used?
Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blends melt well and complement the beans for a rich, gooey texture.
- → What toppings enhance the final dish?
Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or cilantro add fresh, tangy, or creamy elements that brighten each bite.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for this preparation?
Use plant-based cheese and substitute butter with neutral oils to create a vegan-friendly version.