Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This classic features soft flour tortillas filled with creamy, lightly mashed beans and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Cooked on a hot skillet until golden and crispy, it offers a satisfying, savory bite perfect for lunch or a snack. Optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado add freshness and extra flavor. Variations include using whole wheat or corn tortillas and adding jalapeños or sautéed onions for a spicy kick. A quick and easy dish ideal for the busy cook seeking comfort and flavor in under 20 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:57:00 GMT
Golden-brown Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, ready to slice and serve with fresh toppings. Pin
Golden-brown Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, ready to slice and serve with fresh toppings. | garlicgroove.com

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

I first made these quesadillas on a busy afternoon when everyone was craving something warm < filling. They instantly became a go-to meal for busy days.

Ingredients

  • Medium flour tortillas: 8 pieces
  • Canned beans (black beans or pinto beans): 1½ cups, drained < rinsed
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend): 2 cups
  • Butter or neutral oil: 2 tablespoons
  • To Serve (optional): Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, chopped cilantro

Instructions

Mash the beans:
In a bowl, lightly mash the beans with a fork for easier spreading (optional).
Heat the skillet:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat < add a small amount of butter or oil.
Layer the 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 the tortilla:
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
Cook the quesadilla:
Cook for 2, 3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden < the cheese is melted.
Repeat:
Remove from the skillet < repeat with the remaining tortillas, beans, < cheese.
Serve:
Slice quesadillas into wedges < serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Crispy flour tortillas filled with creamy beans and cheese make these easy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas irresistible. Pin
Crispy flour tortillas filled with creamy beans and cheese make these easy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas irresistible. | garlicgroove.com

My kids love helping assemble the quesadillas, pressing the edges, < choosing their favorite toppings for family lunch.

Flavor Variations

Try mixing in chopped jalapeños, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes for an extra kick of flavor.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat (tortillas), dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream if used), < may contain soy depending on your ingredient brands.

Nutrition Facts

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

Perfect for a quick meal: a close-up of cheesy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, warm and delicious with a golden crust. Pin
Perfect for a quick meal: a close-up of cheesy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, warm and delicious with a golden crust. | garlicgroove.com

Enjoy these quesadillas hot for the perfect quick < satisfying meal. Perfect to personalize with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Questions

What type of beans work best?

Black beans or pinto beans are ideal due to their creamy texture and mild flavor that complements cheese well.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great, but feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or quesillo.

How do I make quesadillas crispy?

Cook them in a hot skillet with a bit of butter or oil, pressing gently until both sides are golden brown and crisp.

What toppings can enhance the flavor?

Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, guacamole, or chopped cilantro add freshness and balance to the rich filling.

Can this be adapted for a vegan diet?

Yes, use plant-based cheese and replace butter with oil to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Bean and Cheese Quesadillas

Quick, comforting meal with creamy beans, melted cheese, and crispy golden tortillas.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

Main

01 8 medium flour tortillas
02 1½ cups canned beans (black beans or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
03 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or 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

Mash Beans: Lightly mash the canned beans with a fork to facilitate spreading.

Step 02

Heat Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or neutral oil.

Step 03

Assemble Quesadilla: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Evenly distribute ¼ cup shredded cheese over half the tortilla, then add approximately 3 tablespoons of mashed beans.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Repeat Process: Remove from skillet and repeat the assembly and cooking steps with remaining tortillas, beans, and cheese.

Step 07

Serve: Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with desired toppings.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains wheat (flour tortillas) and dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream if used).
  • May contain soy; verify ingredient labels.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Protein: 15 g