Kidney Bean Quesadilla Recipe
Introduction
Kidney Bean Quesadilla is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Packed with spiced beans and melted cheese, it combines simple ingredients into a delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 1/2 cups Red Kidney Beans
- 1/4 cup Onion
- 4 Tortillas
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 cup Cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Coarsely mash the red kidney beans and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and garlic, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the onion and cook until it begins to brown.
- Step 4: Stir in the mashed beans, salt, and chili powder. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Heat a griddle and place a tortilla on it. Spread the bean mixture on half of the tortilla and sprinkle with cheese.
- Step 6: Fold the tortilla in half to form a semi-circle. Cook until both sides are browned and the cheese has melted.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for richer flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños to the bean mixture.
Storage
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the tortilla crispy and cheese melted. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned kidney beans instead of cooked beans?
Yes, canned kidney beans work well. Drain and rinse them before mashing for best results.
What cheese works best for quesadillas?
Cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, are ideal for quesadillas.
Print
Kidney Bean Quesadilla Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty Kidney Bean Quesadilla featuring a flavorful blend of sautéed cumin, garlic, onions, and mashed red kidney beans, all folded with melted cheese inside warm tortillas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
For the Bean Mixture
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups Red Kidney Beans, cooked and coarsely mashed
- 1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
For Assembly
- 4 Tortillas
- 1 cup Cheese, shredded (e.g., cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Mash the Beans: Coarsely mash the cooked red kidney beans in a bowl and set aside to prepare the filling.
- Sauté Spices and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and minced garlic, sautéing for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add Onion: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook until just beginning to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer Bean Mixture: Add the mashed beans, salt to taste, and chili powder. Mix everything well and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Quesadilla: Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place one tortilla on the hot surface.
- Add Filling and Cheese: Spread a generous amount of the bean mixture over half of the tortilla, then sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
- Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half to form a semi-circle. Cook until the bottom is browned and crispy, then carefully flip to brown the other side and melt the cheese inside, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
- Use cooked or canned kidney beans for convenience.
- Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.
- Cheese types such as Monterey Jack or Oaxaca work well for melting.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Kidney Bean Quesadilla, Vegetarian Quesadilla, Red Kidney Beans, Mexican Snack, Quick Vegetarian Meal

