Hearty Beef and Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

Hearty Beef and Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

When you need a satisfying and quick meal, nothing beats a good quesadilla. This recipe for beef and black bean quesadillas brings a hearty taste with a Mexican flair that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Loaded with protein-rich beef and black beans, and a generous amount of cheese, these quesadillas are both filling and delicious. Best part? They take minimal time to prepare and cook.

Ingredients:

• 8 flour tortillas (medium-sized)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the black beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until they are heated through.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Build the quesadilla by sprinkling a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on one half of a tortilla, followed by some of the beef mixture, and some black bean mixture. Fold the other half over to cover the fillings.
5. Place the quesadilla in the preheated skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from skillet and let sit for a minute before cutting into wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
7. Serve your quesadillas hot with sides of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.

Tips:

• For a healthier option, use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour ones.
• Add in chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add extra beans or try using sautéed mushrooms or tofu instead.

Enjoy your savory and easy-to-make beef and black bean quesadillas with family and friends!