Easy Quesadillas with Beans and Cheese

Quesadillas are the ultimate quick, family-friendly meal that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters! This recipe combines creamy refried beans, gooey melted cheese, and crispy golden tortillas for a dish that’s hearty, delicious, and fun to eat. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Plus, you can customize them with toppings or fillings to suit your family’s tastes. The best part? You can have this flavorful meal on the table in just about 20 minutes!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1 cup refried beans (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for cooking)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños

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Pro Tips

1. Warm the Beans: Warming the refried beans slightly before spreading makes them easier to work with and ensures even heating.
2. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading your quesadilla—too much filling can make it harder to flip and lead to messy cooking.
3. Low and Slow: Cook the quesadillas over medium heat to get perfectly golden tortillas without burning them.
4. Cheese Placement: Spread a little cheese on both sides of the beans—it acts as glue to hold the tortillas together.
5. Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the quesadillas sit for a minute before cutting. This helps the cheese set slightly and keeps the filling from spilling out.

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Substitutions and Variations

• Tortillas: Swap flour tortillas for whole wheat, corn, or gluten-free options.
• Beans: Use black beans or pinto beans mashed with a fork if you don’t have refried beans.
• Cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or even mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Add Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Protein Boost: Toss in shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or tofu crumbles for a heartier meal.

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Beans: Prep the refried beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Shredded Cheese: Pre-shred the cheese and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Assembly: Assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours, uncooked. Cook when ready to serve.

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Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board. Spread about ¼ cup of refried beans over one-half of the tortilla.
2. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the beans.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to create a semi-circle. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

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Step 2: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about ½ tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
2. Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet (you may need to cook them in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Transfer cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining quesadillas.

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Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the quesadillas rest for 1 minute, then cut them into wedges.
2. Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any of your favorite toppings. Enjoy warm!

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Leftovers and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to regain crispiness, or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.

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