Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Featured in: Comfort Food Classics

These bean and cheese quesadillas combine creamy, lightly mashed beans with melted shredded cheese inside golden, crisp tortillas. Cooked on a hot skillet until golden and gooey, they offer a speedy lunch or snack option. Optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado add fresh accents. Variations include adding jalapeños, onions, or using whole wheat tortillas. Perfect for a simple, vegetarian meal prepared in just 20 minutes.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:43:00 GMT
Golden-brown bean and cheese quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, ready to slice and serve hot. Save
Golden-brown bean and cheese quesadillas, oozing melted cheese, ready to slice and serve hot. | suggestionsforever.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 for a busy weeknight and they quickly became everyone&s favorite request because they&re simple and satisfying every time.

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 (Optional):
In a bowl lightly mash the beans with a fork for easier spreading (optional).
Prepare 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.
Serve:
Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
A close-up of cheesy bean and cheese quesadillas, with a side of fresh salsa for dipping. Save
A close-up of cheesy bean and cheese quesadillas, with a side of fresh salsa for dipping. | suggestionsforever.com

These quesadillas were a quick fix when my family wanted something warm and comforting — everyone loved customizing their own with favorite toppings.

Required Tools

Large skillet or griddle spatula mixing bowl (optional) and knife for slicing.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (tortillas) dairy (cheese butter/sour cream if used) and may contain soy (check tortilla and cheese ingredient labels).

Nutritional Information

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

Crispy, folded bean and cheese quesadillas, perfectly cooked with a soft, flavorful filling. Save
Crispy, folded bean and cheese quesadillas, perfectly cooked with a soft, flavorful filling. | suggestionsforever.com

Serve hot and let everyone pick their favorite dips or toppings — this recipe always brings the family together for a relaxed meal.

Recipe Help & FAQs

What beans work best for these quesadillas?

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

Can I prepare these quesadillas vegan?

Yes, substitute cheese with plant-based cheese and use oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.

How do I achieve crispy tortillas without burning them?

Cook on medium heat and press gently with a spatula, flipping after 2-3 minutes until golden on both sides.

What toppings pair well with bean and cheese quesadillas?

Salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, and fresh cilantro all add great flavor and texture contrasts.

Can I add extra flavors to the filling?

Yes, try sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños, or diced tomatoes to enhance the filling’s taste.

Bean Cheese Quesadillas

Creamy beans and melted cheese between crispy tortillas for a fast, comforting lunch or snack.

Prep Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Overall Time
20 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican

Makes 4 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Main

01 8 medium flour tortillas
02 1.5 cups canned beans (black or pinto), drained and rinsed
03 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
04 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil

To Serve

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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare beans: Lightly mash the drained beans with a fork to facilitate spreading.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

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, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is crisp and cheese is melted.

Step 06

Repeat and serve: Remove from heat, repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, then slice into wedges and serve immediately with preferred toppings.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas) and dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream if used).
  • May contain soy; verify ingredient labels to ensure safety.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 15 g