This has change into my household’s go-to recipe each time we’re quick on time or simply craving one thing easy and satisfying. These Tacky Kidney Bean Quesadillas are a complete lifesaver—my 4-year-old devours them each single time (if you understand 4-year-olds, you understand that’s mainly magic). The perfect half? They’re made with only a few pantry staples and price subsequent to nothing to whip up. When you’ve ever discovered your self observing a lonely can of kidney beans in your pantry, that is your signal to offer them new life!

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Simple and Scrumptious Kidney Bean Quesadillas
I used to save lots of kidney beans only for vegetarian chili or minestrone soup, however now they’re the star of the present on this fast, protein-packed meal. To make these vegetarian quesadillas, you’ll want a can of kidney beans, a cup of frozen combined veggies with peppers and onions, a bit taco seasoning, olive oil, some cheddar cheese, and flour tortillas. That’s it! Six components, all simple to seek out and budget-friendly. Even my husband requests these quesadillas now! And actually, on a busy weeknight, these kidney bean quesadillas may simply beat out a grilled cheese. (Daring assertion, however true!)
Use a unique canned bean. I like utilizing kidney beans right here as a result of they’ve a pleasant ‘meaty’ texture that makes the quesadillas really feel additional hearty. When you don’t have kidney beans available, canned cannellini beans or black beans each work nice (our black bean quesadillas are a Finances Bytes reader favourite!)
One of many easiest methods to chop down your grocery invoice is to scale back the quantity of meat you purchase. This kidney bean quesadilla recipe is extremely filling because of the protein-rich beans, and also you actually gained’t miss the meat! Nonetheless, should you’ve already received some pre-cooked shredded rooster, floor beef, or carnitas, be happy so as to add it in. Be sure any meat you add is already cooked first.
Shred your individual cheese from a block for one of the best soften. The melty cheese holds the quesadillas collectively, and preshredded cheeses comprise anticaking brokers that may have an effect on the soften.
Prepare dinner your tacky kidney bean quesadillas in batches. They should lie flat within the pan to allow them to get evenly golden and crispy on either side.
Tacky Kidney Bean Quesadillas
Price $4.05 recipe / $0.81 serving
These Tacky Kidney Bean Quesadillas are fast, budget-friendly, and filled with taste. A household favourite and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping!


Collect your components.
Drain and rinse the kidney beans. Shred the cheddar cheese.
Over medium warmth, sauté olive oil, taco seasoning, and frozen veggie mix for 4-5 minutes.
Add the strained and rinsed kidney beans and switch the warmth right down to low, cooking till the beans are warmed via.
Utilizing a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the beans. I prefer to hold some entire and mash some so they’re creamy. I discover it helps hold the quesadillas collectively higher to have a few of them mashed.
Take away the bean combination from the pan and set it off to the facet in a bowl, lined. Wipe down the pan to make use of for ending the quesadillas.
Add shredded cheese onto 1/2 of every flour tortilla.
Scoop the bean-onion combination on high of the shredded cheddar.
Prime every with an additional sprinkle of cheddar and fold them in half.
Return the tortillas to the pan and toast on either side for 2-3 minutes till toasty and crispy. Lower in half and serve whereas scorching.
See how we calculate recipe prices right here.
Skillet
Fork or Potato Masher
Bowl
Cheese Grater
**I went with the most affordable bundle of frozen veggies I noticed at Walmart, realizing I wished onion and peppers within the combine.
Serving: 1quesadillaEnergy: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 17gFats: 12gSodium: 469mgFiber: 9g
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methods to make Tacky Kidney Bean Quesadillas step-by-step images


Collect your whole components.


Prep the components: Drain and rinse one 15.5 oz. can kidney beans and shred 4 oz. of medium cheddar cheese.


Make the quesadilla filling: Add ½ Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, and 1 cup frozen combined veggie mix to a skillet over medium warmth and sauté for 4-5 minutes.


Now add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the skillet. Stir to mix and switch the warmth to low, cooking till the beans are warmed via.


Mash the filling: Use a fork or potato masher to fastidiously mash the beans. I personally hold some beans entire, then mash the remaining till creamy. Your kidney bean quesadillas will keep collectively higher if a few of the beans are mashed!
Take away the bean and veggie combine from the pan and place it apart in a bowl, lined. Wipe down the pan to make use of for ending the quesadillas.


Make the quesadillas: Add the shredded cheese to half of every flour tortilla. Then high the cheese with the bean combination.


Sprinkle a bit little bit of cheese on high of the mashed bean filling and fold every tortilla over.


Prepare dinner: Place the folded tortillas within the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes on one facet till toasty and crispy…


…then flip the quesadilla over and prepare dinner for 2-3 extra minutes on the alternative facet.


Repeat with the remaining quesadillas till they’re all executed. Lower each in half and serve whereas scorching. Get pleasure from!


Generally I make the kidney bean filling for these quesadillas, let it cool, and retailer it within the fridge for as much as 3-4 days. Then, once I’m prepared, I add it to the tortillas with some cheese and toast them up contemporary.
But when I’m actually planning forward, I make a batch to freeze. I’ll fill and fold the tacky bean quesadillas, stack them raw (with parchment paper between each), and tuck them into an enormous freezer bag. They’ll hold for 2-3 months this manner. After I need one, I warmth it slowly over low warmth till the skin is crispy, the filling has thawed, and the cheese is all melty inside.
Serving Strategies
These simple kidney bean quesadillas are nice on their very own, however just a few toppings make them even higher should you’ve received them! I normally go for salsa (like pico de gallo), cilantro, and a dollop of bitter cream on mine. And if you wish to make it a heartier meal, add a facet of Spanish rice or some tortilla chips and our loaded avocado dip.
Storage & Reheating
Preserve your leftovers saved in an hermetic container or wrapped in plastic wrap within the fridge. They’ll hold nicely for as much as 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over low warmth or within the microwave should you don’t thoughts the feel being softer.





















