Black Bean Cheesy Quesadilla (Print View)

A flavorful black bean quesadilla with peppers and cheeses, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

# 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 ½ 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 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
12 - ½ 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 finely chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
02 - Add diced red and green bell peppers, jalapeño, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables become tender.
03 - Stir in black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
04 - Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Evenly sprinkle one quarter of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over half 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 ½ tablespoon olive oil. Heat over medium heat.
06 - Place each assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under half an hour, even on your messiest weeknights.
  • The combination of smoky spices and melted cheese makes every bite feel indulgent without any guilt.
  • You can customize the filling with whatever vegetables or beans you have on hand.
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet or the quesadilla won't crisp up properly, cook one at a time for the best results.
  • If the cheese starts leaking out, your heat is too high, lower it slightly and press gently with a spatula.
  • Let the filling cool for a minute before assembling so the cheese doesn't melt prematurely and make the tortilla soggy.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes fresher.
  • Press down gently on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking to help the cheese spread and the tortilla crisp evenly.
  • Taste the filling before assembling and adjust the salt and spices, it should be flavorful on its own before it goes into the tortilla.
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