Bean & Cheese Quesadilla

Featured in: Weeknight Spoonfuls

This dish combines soft, creamy beans with melted cheese folded into golden, crispy tortillas. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, ideal for a flavorful lunch or snack. The filling can be customized with ingredients like jalapeños or tomatoes, while toppings such as salsa and avocado add extra freshness. Prepared on a hot skillet, the quesadillas develop a perfect crunch with gooey cheese inside. A versatile, easy-to-make option that highlights Mexican-inspired flavors.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:10:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a simple recipe with melted cheese and warm fillings. Save
Golden, crispy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a simple recipe with melted cheese and warm fillings. | cookinget.com

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

I started making these bean & cheese quesadillas on busy weeknights when everyone needed food fast and still wanted something satisfying. They're always a hit because they're simple but totally delicious.

Ingredients

  • Flour tortillas: 8 medium
  • Beans: 1½ cups canned black beans or pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • Shredded cheese: 2 cups cheddar Monterey Jack or blend
  • Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons
  • 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).
Heat 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 shredded cheese evenly over half then add about 3 tablespoons beans.
Fold and cook:
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling cook for 2-3 minutes on each side pressing gently with a spatula until golden and cheese is melted.
Repeat:
Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas beans and cheese.
Serve:
Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with favorite toppings.
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Whenever I make these my kids love helping mash the beans and sprinkle the cheese. It's a quick cooking memory that always brings smiles around the table.

Nutritional Information

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

Tools Needed

You only need a large skillet or griddle a spatula and a mixing bowl if you want to mash the beans.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat and dairy may contain soy depending on tortilla and cheese ingredients double-check if necessary.

Folded Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, with bubbly cheese peeking out, ready to be sliced and devoured. Save
Folded Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, with bubbly cheese peeking out, ready to be sliced and devoured. | cookinget.com

Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience. These quesadillas make any lunch or snack time more exciting.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans work best, both drained and rinsed for creamy texture.

What cheeses blend well in this dish?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack or any melty cheese mix gives a smooth, rich taste.

How do I get the tortillas crispy without burning them?

Cook on medium heat with occasional gentle pressing until golden brown on each side.

Are there good vegan alternatives?

Use plant-based cheese and oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.

What toppings complement these quesadillas?

Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or guacamole add fresh, tangy notes to the rich filling.

Can I add extra veggies to the filling?

Sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes can be mixed in for added flavor and texture.

Bean & Cheese Quesadilla

A comforting classic with creamy beans, melted cheese, and golden tortillas for a quick meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine Mexican

Output 4 Portion Count

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Main

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

To Serve (optional)

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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare beans: Lightly mash the drained beans with a fork to facilitate easier spreading.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with optional toppings such as salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas) and dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream if used). May contain soy depending on brand. Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 350
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 15 g