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Crispy Cheese & Bean Quesadillas

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  • Author: Chelsea Catalan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-fried
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Description

A quick, easy, and flavorful quesadilla loaded with gooey cheese, seasoned black beans, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for weeknights!


Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

  • 4 large flour tortillas (whole wheat or regular)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for a little kick)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for extra crispiness)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the filling:
    In a bowl, mix the black beans, corn, red onion, jalapeño, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mash about half the beans with a fork for better texture.

  2. Assemble the quesadillas:
    Lay out the tortillas and sprinkle half of each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Spoon some of the bean mixture over the cheese, then top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently.

  3. Cook to crispy perfection:
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush with olive oil or melt a little butter. Place a quesadilla in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Repeat for all quesadillas.

  4. Serve hot:
    Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or fresh pico de gallo.

Notes

Customize with your favorite add-ins like chicken, mushrooms, or extra spice!


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: ~350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg