Ultimate Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
This Ultimate Bean and Cheese Quesadilla recipe is a true family favorite, perfect for lunch or a quick snack. The creamy refried beans and melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses are sandwiched between crispy tortillas, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that even picky eaters will love. Served with a side of ranch dressing for dipping and accompanied by crunchy chips and zesty salsa, these quesadillas make for a delightful ensemble. For a lighter option, simply microwave the quesadillas—while they forgo the buttery, crispy edges, they remain irresistibly tasty. Quick to make and utterly delightful, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tortillas
8 (12 inch)
Refried Beans
1 (16 ounce can (Rosarita))
Monterey Jack Cheese
6 (ounces, shredded)
Cheddar Cheese
6 (ounces, shredded and mixed with Monterey Jack)
Oil
4 (tablespoons)
Butter
4 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients: divide the refried beans, cheese mixture, and tortillas into four equal portions.
2
For each quesadilla, take one tortilla and spread 1/4 of the refried beans evenly on top.
3
Sprinkle 1/4 of the cheese mixture over the beans, followed by topping with a second tortilla to complete the quesadilla.
4
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling.
5
Carefully place the assembled quesadilla into the skillet, cooking until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Gently flip the quesadilla and brown the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
7
Once both sides are browned, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for 1-2 minutes on a large plate.
8
Using kitchen scissors, cut the quesadilla into eight wedges.
9
Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients to assemble and cook the remaining quesadillas.
10
Serve the quesadillas hot with ranch dressing for dipping, chips, and salsa on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Ultimate Bean and Cheese Quesadilla?
The quesadilla features creamy refried beans and a melty blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses between crispy, buttery tortillas.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of refried beans, specifically recommending the Rosarita brand.
What cheeses are best for these quesadillas?
A combination of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese is used for the perfect balance of meltiness and flavor.
How many tortillas are needed for the recipe?
You will need 8 tortillas to create 4 full quesadillas.
What size should the tortillas be?
The recipe specifies using 12-inch tortillas.
How much cheese is required in total?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of Monterey Jack and 6 ounces of cheddar, totaling 12 ounces of shredded cheese.
How should I prepare the cheese mixture?
Shred both the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses and mix them together thoroughly before assembling.
What fat is used to fry the quesadillas?
A combination of oil and butter is used to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
What are the suggested cooking times for each side?
Each side of the quesadilla should be cooked for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
What heat setting should I use on the stove?
The quesadillas should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat.
How do I assemble the quesadilla?
Spread 1/4 of the beans on one tortilla, sprinkle with 1/4 of the cheese mixture, and top with a second tortilla.
What is the best way to cut the quesadillas?
The recipe recommends using kitchen scissors to cut each quesadilla into eight wedges.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Can I make a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can microwave the quesadillas instead of frying them to avoid using oil and butter, though they won't be as crispy.
What should I serve with these quesadillas?
They are best served hot with ranch dressing for dipping, along with chips and salsa on the side.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that even picky eaters will love.
How much oil and butter is used per quesadilla?
Each quesadilla uses 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter for frying.
Should I let the quesadilla cool before cutting?
Yes, let the quesadilla cool for 1 to 2 minutes on a large plate before cutting.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe falls under the Lunch/Snacks category.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, dividing the beans and cheese mixture into portions beforehand makes the assembly process much faster.
Why use both oil and butter together?
The oil helps prevent the butter from burning at medium heat, while the butter provides flavor and browning.
How many wedges will I have in total?
Since each of the four quesadillas is cut into eight wedges, you will have 32 wedges in total.
Can I use different brands of refried beans?
Yes, while Rosarita is recommended, any 16-ounce can of your favorite refried beans will work.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is noted for being quick to make and a staple for busy kitchens.
How do I ensure the cheese is evenly distributed?
Sprinkle the shredded cheese mixture evenly over the layer of refried beans before placing the top tortilla.
What type of salsa goes best with this?
A zesty salsa is recommended to provide a bright contrast to the creamy beans and cheese.
How do I flip the quesadilla without losing the filling?
Use a large spatula and flip gently after the cheese has begun to melt, which helps hold the tortillas together.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this is a bean and cheese recipe, you could easily add cooked chicken or seasoned beef for extra protein.
What texture should the tortillas have when finished?
The tortillas should have a crispy, buttery, and golden-brown exterior.
Is the recipe easy to scale down?
Yes, since ingredients are divided into quarters, you can easily make just one or two quesadillas by adjusting the amounts.