Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Everyday Cravings

These quesadillas combine smooth mashed beans with melted cheese inside a golden, crisp tortilla. Cooked quickly in a skillet, they offer a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ideal for a fast lunch or snack, you can customize with sautéed onions, jalapeños, or tomatoes for extra flavor. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or avocado to enhance the comforting taste and create a satisfying dish in minutes.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:04:00 GMT
Golden, crispy bean & cheese quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, ready now with sour cream and salsa. Save
Golden, crispy bean & cheese quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, ready now with sour cream and salsa. | munchhug.com

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

When I need something really fast, bean & cheese quesadillas always come to the rescue. They were the first meal I mastered in college & are still a favorite comfort food for busy days.

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).
Preheat 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 & Cook:
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook for 2,3 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.
Slice & Serve:
Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
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Growing up my family always made quesadillas for weekend lunch & everyone could add their favorite toppings for a fun fix-it-yourself meal.

Required Tools

You'll want a large skillet or griddle a spatula a mixing bowl if mashing beans and a knife for slicing.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat dairy and may contain soy. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

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

Warm and flavorful bean & cheese quesadillas with a perfectly browned tortilla and creamy filling. Save
Warm and flavorful bean & cheese quesadillas with a perfectly browned tortilla and creamy filling. | munchhug.com

Serve these bean & cheese quesadillas hot straight from the skillet & enjoy their crispy cheesy goodness with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Guide

What types of beans work best?

Black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed, offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the cheese well.

Can I use different cheeses?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend melts nicely and adds rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

How can I make quesadillas crispier?

Cook them in a lightly buttered or oiled skillet over medium heat and press gently with a spatula to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.

What toppings pair well?

Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or guacamole add freshness and a creamy contrast to the warm, savory filling.

Are there variations for dietary needs?

Use plant-based cheese and oil for a vegan-friendly version, or swap in whole wheat or corn tortillas for added texture and flavor.

Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Creamy beans and melted cheese between crispy tortillas for a warm, satisfying meal any time.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences 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 blended cheese
04 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil

To Serve (optional)

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

Method

Phase 01

Prepare the beans: Lightly mash the beans in a bowl using a fork to achieve an even spreadable texture.

Phase 02

Preheat the skillet: Heat 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, sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese evenly over half the tortilla, then add approximately 3 tablespoons of mashed beans on top of the cheese.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Serve: Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve hot accompanied by selected toppings as desired.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains wheat and dairy; may contain soy. Verify all ingredient labels for allergen information.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 350
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 15 g