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Loaded Black Bean Quesadillas

Loaded Black Bean Quesadillas

15 minutesSuper EasyServes 4

Sometimes the best comfort food is the simplest comfort food. These quesadillas have saved me on countless busy nights when everyone's hungry but I only have 15 minutes to make magic happen. The secret is in seasoning those black beans just right—they become so flavorful and satisfying that even the pickiest eaters in my family ask for thirds. There's something so satisfying about that first bite into a perfectly crispy tortilla, hearing the crunch, and watching the melted cheese stretch. It's pure comfort food that happens to be healthy too.

Ingredients

  • • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • • 1 tsp cumin
  • • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • • Salt and pepper to taste
  • • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • • 8 large flour tortillas
  • • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
  • • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • • Salsa for serving
  • • Sour cream for serving
  • • Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1. In a bowl, mash half the black beans and mix with whole beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté bell pepper and onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. 3. Add seasoned black beans to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
  4. 4. Lay out 4 tortillas and divide the bean mixture evenly among them.
  5. 5. Sprinkle cheese and cilantro over the beans, then top with remaining tortillas.
  6. 6. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  7. 7. Cook quesadillas one at a time for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  8. 8. Let cool for 1 minute, then cut into wedges with a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
  9. 9. Serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices on the side.

Bre's Pro Tips

  • • Mashing some beans helps hold the filling together
  • • Don't overfill or the quesadillas will be messy
  • • Press down gently while cooking for even browning
  • • Add jalapeños for heat or corn for sweetness
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