Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal faster than you can order takeout! These Quick Easy Dinner Quesadillas are your ultimate weeknight culinary lifesaver, packed with cheesy goodness, tender chicken (or hearty beans), and vibrant vegetables that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who wants delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken or beans
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup onions, sliced
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients: 4 flour tortillas, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1 cup of cooked chicken or beans, 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of sliced onions, sour cream, and salsa for serving.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. You can add a small amount of oil if desired, but it’s not necessary if using a non-stick skillet.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- If using cooked chicken, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. If using beans, you can add them directly without cooking. Stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Remove the mixture from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, place one flour tortilla. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla.
- Add a portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle another 1/2 cup of cheese over the filling.
- Carefully place a second tortilla on top of the filling. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Using a spatula, gently flip the quesadilla over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Then, cut it into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all quesadillas are made.
- Serve the quesadillas warm with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding tortillas to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Don't overstuff your quesadillas - too much filling can make them difficult to flip and cause them to fall apart.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of taco seasoning to your chicken or beans before cooking.
- Let the quesadillas rest for a minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- If meal prepping, you can prepare the vegetable and protein mixture in advance to speed up the cooking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
