Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas Recipe

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons butter, or as needed
  • 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in the black beans and corn. Add salsa, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well and cook for another 3 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 3: In a large skillet, melt about 1 teaspoons of butter over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Top with of the bean mixture from step 2.

Step 4: Place another tortilla on top. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden as well. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.

Cook's Note

This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding chicken, extra veggies, or other spices to suit your taste!

Nutrition Facts

Each serving (1 quesadilla) contains:

  • Calories: 363
  • Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 7g (35% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 27mg (9% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 733mg (32% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 46g (17% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g (23% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 14g (28% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 204mg (16% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 332mg (7% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Origin Story of the Black Bean and Corn Quesadilla

The quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish that dates back to the early colonial period. The word "quesadilla" is derived from the Spanish word "queso," meaning cheese. It is believed that the practice of filling tortillas with cheese and other ingredients originated in Mexico, where tortillas are a staple food. Over time, various regions in Mexico and beyond adapted the recipe with regional ingredients. The Black Bean and Corn Quesadilla, a modern vegetarian twist, reflects the growing trend toward plant-based eating while maintaining the comfort and heartiness of the classic quesadilla.

Regional Variations and Influence

The combination of black beans and corn is widely popular in Southwestern and Latin American cuisine. Black beans, a common ingredient in Mexican and Central American dishes, are often paired with corn due to their complementary flavors and textures. Corn has been a fundamental crop in the Americas for thousands of years, and it forms the base of many traditional dishes. This particular recipe, featuring Monterey Jack cheese and salsa, incorporates flavors that are common in Tex-Mex cuisine, an Americanized version of Mexican food.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While quesadillas are typically made with cheese and a variety of fillings, the Black Bean and Corn Quesadilla stands out by featuring beans and vegetables instead of meat. This makes it a great option for vegetarians and those seeking a healthier alternative. In comparison to meat-based quesadillas, this version is lower in fat and cholesterol but still packed with protein and fiber from the black beans. The sweetness from the corn combined with the slight heat from the red pepper flakes gives it a unique flavor profile, distinguishing it from other classic quesadilla variations.

Where to Serve Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas are incredibly versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. They're a popular choice at casual gatherings, parties, and family meals due to their ease of preparation and appeal to a wide range of dietary preferences. These quesadillas are also commonly served in Tex-Mex restaurants, often accompanied by sides like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. The dish's flexibility allows for customization, whether you enjoy it with additional fillings like shredded chicken, peppers, or even a sprinkle of cilantro.

Fun Facts About Quesadillas

  • Quesadillas can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, frying, or baking, and the filling options are virtually limitless.
  • The original quesadilla was a simple cheese-filled tortilla, but over time, it has evolved to include a wide variety of ingredients, from meats to vegetables and even fruits.
  • In Mexico, quesadillas are often filled with ingredients like mushrooms, flor de calabaza (squash blossoms), or huitlacoche (corn fungus), adding unique flavors and textures.
  • Black beans, commonly used in these quesadillas, are a staple in many Latin American diets. They are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for vegetarian meals.

FAQ about Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas Recipe

To store leftover quesadillas, let them cool to room temperature and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Yes, you can freeze the quesadillas. After cooking, let them cool completely, then wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from the freezer or heat in a skillet until crispy.

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before making the quesadillas. Assemble the quesadillas when you're ready to cook them. Alternatively, you can make the whole quesadilla ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer, as mentioned above.

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack with other cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend. Just ensure that the cheese melts well for the best texture and flavor.

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a hot sauce to the filling. You can also add chopped jalapeños or other spicy peppers to increase the heat.

Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas to make these quesadillas gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels for other ingredients, such as cheese or salsa, to ensure they are also gluten-free.

To make the quesadillas more filling, you can add protein such as cooked chicken, beef, or even tofu. You could also add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to make them more hearty.

Yes, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortillas are crispy and golden. This method is great for making multiple quesadillas at once.

To prevent the filling from spilling out, make sure to not overfill the quesadillas. Additionally, you can use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla, or press down gently to seal the edges before flipping.

You can experiment with different fillings such as adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or ground beef. Vegetarians can try adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also try using different types of cheese or salsa to change the flavor profile.

Comments

Sarah Jo

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This was SO yummy. Messy but yummy. Only thing I omitted was the red pepper flake. I knew the jarred salsa I had on hand would be hot enough without adding the flake. This scaled down well for me, making two small-ish quesadillas. Very filling.

SPRING1ONU

12/27/2006 03:00:00 PM

These are great! I left out the red pepper flakes because I didn't have any, but added some Frank's Chile and Lime sauce. I also used burrito sized tortillas and baked them in the oven instaead of in a skillet. I sprayed a pan with Pam, put the filling and cheese on half a tortilla & folded it in half (this recipe made 4 for me), sprayed the tops with Pam and baked at 350 for 10 minutes then broiled the tops until browned. Cooking in the oven helps when you want to have them all done at once instead of one at a tme. I served with homemade guacamole, sour cream and salsa.

Dave

10/26/2006 08:17:43 AM

Every Wednesday night, my roommate, his girlfriend, and myself take turns cooking dinner before our favorite TV Show LOST! My roommate's girlfriend is the only vegetarian, so cooking vegetarian meals has been something new for my roommate and I. Well, let me tell you, this recipe was a big hit! The quesadillas turned out crisp and delicious! Pretty much followed the recipe to T except I substituted a mexican cheese blend for the montery jack. Garnished with sour cream, salsa, Chalulu hot sauce, and the green tabasco. Fantastic! Will definately make them again!

Ava

03/31/2019 10:46:07 PM

This was a fantastic quesadilla recipe! Thank you! A few tips I might add are as follows: 1. Smaller tortillas, such as fajita size, are much easier to work with, as they can be flipped with minimal fuss or fallout. The smaller size tortillas also allow for more individual servings; they are perfect for younger kids; easy to hold and eat, either cut into triangles or left whole, and there is not a lot of waste. I used soft taco sized tortillas initially, and they were fine, but for the subsequent quesadillas, the smaller ones worked better. 2. If you grate your own cheese, it seems to melt better than the pre-shredded cheese. I also found that scattering a bit more cheese on top of the filling will glue the top and bottom tortillas together. I didn’t change anything else, and this recipe was terrific! I used organic canned black beans; they are a bit smaller than non-organic, and canned corn with no salt added. I also used organic jarred salsa, and I think those ingredients made a difference in taste. Just very clean and fresh tasting. Doing without the casein in pre-grated packaged cheese also made a difference, I believe. I am going to try this sometime with diced green chile, white beans, Colby cheese and chopped tomatoes. Thank you again!

Cara McIntosh

12/27/2020 10:28:46 PM

Absolutely fantastic! I added shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet and then baked them at 375* on convection mode for 8-10 minutes. Everyone agreed they were the best quesadillas to-date!

Michelle

02/01/2018 12:06:34 AM

This was a quick and easy Vegetarian recipe. For the meat eaters in the house, I added shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauteing onions. I also added ground cumin, garlic salt, and ground red pepper to the saute. They turned out great. Thanks to the originator of the recipe for a simple and easy dinner idea!

Missy R

09/23/2019 11:56:28 PM

This is my new fave quesadilla recipe! I love it. I added zucchini, red pepper, cilantro, cumin, garlic and onion powder, and salt. I used soft taco size tortillas and folded them in half instead of using two, and frozen corn, shredded mexican cheese, omitted the pepper flakes. Then I cooked them on my panini grill. They weren't messy for me. I will be making these more often!

steffpeter

04/14/2020 11:57:43 PM

We love this! I add rotisserie chicken in the tortilla and just use a dash of red pepper flakes. I don't make it in the oven, just on the cooktop. My husband loves this mean and it is so easy

mrchair

04/04/2020 08:13:52 PM

disappointing to say the least. bland and dry. while trying to cook and eat everything would fall out. thankfully i found a way to make it work. following the advice of others i decided to put the bean and corn mixture on only one tortilla (grating some cheese on top) and baked in the oven. once out i put more salsa on top and ate it like a pizza. less dry, less bland and less messy.

sonali

04/03/2017 09:35:25 PM

I made it for my young kids and they loved it with a few changes, Used whole wheat tortillas, Mexican blend cheese, very little salsa, a pinch of cumin powder and baked it in the oven at 350 for 10 mins.

Allrecipes Member

01/22/2018 12:37:03 AM

EXCELLENTE - I skipped the brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and salsa. Reserved the salsa for a topping with fresh homemade guacamole! Seasoned with cumin, chili powder with lime, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper (basically taco seasoning). Made in the form of a half moon, oiled cookie sheet with olive oil and baked in the oven on 425 for 10 mins. The entire family (which includes picky teens) loved! Try meatless, save our planet and give your digestive system a much needed break from processing meat! You won't be disappointed!

Bruce Donaldson

06/25/2025 09:00:03 AM

No

Linda Hanzelin Smith

06/06/2025 11:43:42 PM

Easy to make

oceandiver1001

09/24/2024 11:10:02 PM

I LOVED it...I made it for Quesadillas and then Enchalidas. It's good enough to eat over pasta/rice or even by itself!! I did add almost a tablespoon of Cumin. I put Cumin in all my MX dishes....

BrightRoll9049

09/13/2024 09:43:17 PM

Great flavor and an inexpensive meal

UpbeatApple7741

07/07/2024 05:19:52 PM

i added more salsa, chili flakes & salt/pepper and it gave it so much more flavor to the bean mixture !! I added chicken and it’s absolutely a dish everyone will love, even my picky little one enjoyed them !!! :)

lsil

04/01/2024 11:16:28 PM

I liked it we’ll definitely make it again!!!

Mark Sly

02/21/2024 02:21:25 AM

It was ok, definitely needed more pepper flakes and also salt.

David Harris

02/20/2024 08:56:16 PM

Made it last night and already missing it.

inthekitchen

01/16/2024 01:33:36 AM

So easy yummy.