Black Bean Cheesy Quesadilla (Print Version)

Savory black beans and melted cheeses folded in a crispy tortilla with fresh peppers.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Beans & Cheese

06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Tortillas & Seasonings

09 - 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ To Serve (Optional)

15 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Sour cream
17 - Salsa or pico de gallo
18 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
02 - Add diced bell peppers, jalapeño, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
03 - Stir in black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
04 - Place one tortilla on a flat surface. Evenly sprinkle one quarter of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over half of the tortilla. Top with one quarter of the bean and vegetable mixture. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
05 - Wipe out the skillet and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Heat over medium heat.
06 - Place each folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with optional chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under half an hour, even on nights when youre exhausted.
  • The combination of smoky spices and gooey cheese makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
  • You can clean out your fridge and still end up with something that tastes like you planned it all along.
02 -
  • Do not overload the tortilla or it will tear when you fold it, and the filling will ooze out into the pan.
  • Let the skillet heat fully before adding the quesadilla, otherwise the tortilla will soak up oil instead of crisping up.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the tortilla an extra crispy edge.
  • Press down gently with a spatula while the quesadilla cooks to help the cheese melt faster and seal the layers together.
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