Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

These bean and cheese quesadillas combine creamy, mashed beans with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese inside golden, crispy flour tortillas. Cooked quickly in a skillet with a touch of butter or oil, they make a warm, satisfying dish perfect for lunch or snacks. Customize with toppings like salsa, sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for added freshness. Optional additions like sautéed onions or jalapeños enhance flavor. Ideal for a simple, vegetarian-friendly meal in about 20 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:29:00 GMT
Golden, cheesy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a quick and satisfying meal with warm, melty cheese. Save to Pinterest
Golden, cheesy Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, a quick and satisfying meal with warm, melty cheese. | lovelyserena.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 bean & cheese quesadillas for my family, I was amazed by how fast it came together & everyone loved building their own with different toppings.

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).
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 of shredded cheese evenly over half the tortilla, then add about 3 tablespoons of beans.
Fold Tortilla:
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
Cook 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:
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.
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| lovelyserena.com

My kids love helping spread the cheese and beans & it is always fun to let everyone pick their own toppings at dinner time.

Flavor Variations

Try adding chopped jalapeños, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat and dairy. Double-check all ingredient labels, especially for tortillas and cheese, if you have specific allergies or sensitivities.

Nutrition Facts

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

Crispy-edged Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, folded tortillas overflowing with beans and bubbling, golden cheese, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Crispy-edged Bean & Cheese Quesadillas, folded tortillas overflowing with beans and bubbling, golden cheese, ready to eat. | lovelyserena.com

Enjoy these quesadillas hot for the best texture & flavor. They make a fantastic speedy meal any time you need comfort food in a hurry.

Ask About This Recipe

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, black or pinto beans work well. You can mash them lightly for easier spreading inside the tortillas.

What cheese is best for melting in this dish?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack or a blend of the two provide a creamy melt and mild flavor that complements the beans.

How can I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?

Cook the quesadillas over medium heat until the tortillas are golden and crispy, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.

Are there vegan options for this dish?

Yes, substitute dairy cheese with plant-based cheese and use oil instead of butter for cooking.

What toppings pair well with this meal?

Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, and chopped cilantro add freshness and balance.

Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Creamy beans and melted cheese layered in crispy tortillas for a speedy, comforting meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You Need

Main

01 8 medium flour tortillas
02 1.5 cups canned black 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

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Add Tortilla and Filling: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese on half of the tortilla, then add approximately 3 tablespoons of mashed beans over the cheese.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl (optional)
  • Knife

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat from tortillas.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and butter or sour cream.
  • May contain soy; verify labels on tortillas and cheese.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 350
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 15 g