Ingredients
Beans and Veggie Mixture
- 15.5 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup mixed frozen “seasoning blend” veggies
Cheese and Tortillas
- 4 oz. medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5 medium flour tortillas
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients including kidney beans, cheddar cheese, olive oil, taco seasoning, frozen seasoning blend veggies, and flour tortillas.
- Prep Beans and Cheese: Drain and rinse the kidney beans to remove excess liquid. Shred the medium cheddar cheese to prepare for assembly.
- Sauté Veggies and Seasoning: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and the frozen veggie blend, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender and aromatic.
- Warm Beans: Add the rinsed kidney beans to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook just until the beans are warmed through, blending the flavors.
- Mash Beans: Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the beans in the skillet, leaving some beans whole and some mashed for a creamy texture that helps bind the quesadilla filling.
- Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the bean mixture to a bowl, cover to keep warm, and wipe down the skillet to prepare for cooking the quesadillas.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay out each flour tortilla, sprinkle shredded cheddar on one half, then spoon the bean and veggie mixture on top of the cheese. Add an extra sprinkle of cheddar on the bean mixture, then fold the tortillas in half.
- Cook Quesadillas: Return the skillet to medium heat. Place the folded tortillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is toasted and crispy, and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove quesadillas from the skillet, cut each in half, and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, press the quesadillas gently with a spatula while cooking.
- Feel free to swap medium cheddar with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the bean mixture.
- These quesadillas can be served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian