Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This dish combines creamy beans with melted cheese inside golden, crispy tortillas, prepared quickly on a skillet. Lightweight and satisfying, it offers a comforting flavor balance perfect for lunch or a snack. Customize with optional toppings like salsa, avocado, or cilantro for added freshness. Ideal for vegetarian diets and easy to prepare within 20 minutes, these quesadillas deliver a tasty, fulfilling option without fuss.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:17:00 GMT
Golden-crisped bean and cheese quesadillas, filled with melted cheese and served with fresh salsa. Save
Golden-crisped bean and cheese quesadillas, filled with melted cheese and served with fresh salsa. | forkina.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 when my family needed a fast meal everyone would enjoy. The crispy tortillas & gooey cheese became an instant favorite for busy evenings.

Ingredients

  • Main: 8 medium flour tortillas, 1 1/2 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 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 and add a small amount of butter or oil
Assemble Quesadillas:
Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 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:
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted
Repeat Process:
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
A close-up of cheesy bean and cheese quesadillas, warm from the skillet with perfect texture ready to eat. Pin it
A close-up of cheesy bean and cheese quesadillas, warm from the skillet with perfect texture ready to eat. | forkina.com

These quesadillas are always a hit at family weekends & my kids love choosing their own toppings for a fun meal.

Required Tools

Large skillet or griddle, spatula, mixing bowl (optional), knife

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (tortillas), dairy (cheese, butter or sour cream if used). May contain soy. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 15 g

Delicious homemade bean and cheese quesadillas, showcasing a quick and easy recipe for everyone. Pin it
Delicious homemade bean and cheese quesadillas, showcasing a quick and easy recipe for everyone. | forkina.com

Serve these cheesy quesadillas hot for maximum enjoyment. Top with salsa & avocado for an easy meal upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beans work best in this dish?

Black beans or pinto beans are ideal due to their creamy texture and mild flavor, but other beans can be used based on preference.

Can I use different cheeses for variation?

Yes, cheddar and Monterey Jack are commonly used, but a blend or alternative melting cheeses can enhance flavor and texture.

How can I make these quesadillas vegan?

Substitute dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives and use oil instead of butter for cooking.

What cooking tools are needed to prepare this dish?

A large skillet or griddle for heating, a spatula for flipping, and optionally a bowl for mashing beans are sufficient.

Are there suggestions for adding extra flavor?

Consider sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños, or diced tomatoes inside the filling to add depth and spice.

Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas filled with creamy beans and melted cheese for a quick, comforting meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Beans: Lightly mash the drained beans with a fork for easier spreading, if desired.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve: Slice into wedges and serve immediately with preferred toppings.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat from flour tortillas and dairy from cheese and butter or sour cream if used
  • May contain soy depending on ingredients; check labels carefully

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 15 g