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Easy 5-Ingredient Quesadilla Recipe with Black Beans and Pepper Jack

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A quick and simple quesadilla recipe featuring black beans and pepper jack cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This easy 5-ingredient meal delivers melty, cheesy goodness with a gentle spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Flour tortillas (8-inch size)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (about 85g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Pinch of ground cumin (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mash the drained and rinsed black beans slightly with a fork, leaving some beans whole for texture. Stir in the ground cumin and a pinch of salt.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Lay one tortilla flat and spread half the mashed black beans evenly over one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese over the beans. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal.
  4. Place the folded tortilla in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crisp.
  5. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

Use medium heat to avoid burning the tortilla before the cheese melts. Press gently with the spatula while cooking to keep layers together. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Cover skillet with a lid for the last minute to help cheese melt faster. Cook one quesadilla at a time for best results. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and nutritional yeast. Gluten-free tortillas can be used but watch cooking time as they crisp faster.

Nutrition

Keywords: quesadilla, black beans, pepper jack cheese, quick meal, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option