Vegetarian Quesadillas: a fast, healthy meat-free Mexican dish to make your mouth water
Packed with hearty, tasty vegetables, beans, and plenty of delicious gooey cheese, vegetarian quesadillas are a fantastic main meal you can whip up in no time. With loads of fiber, nutritious veggies, and healthy spices, easy veggie quesadillas are a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables.
They're a perfect fast dinner when you want to serve up a healthy dinner on a busy weeknight. The best thing about homemade vegetarian quesadillas is that you can customize them in whatever way you like. Add your favorite veggies, use your go-to cheese, and make them as spicy (or not) as you please.
Vegetarian Quesadilla Ingredients
Vegetarian quesadillas can be customized however you prefer, but there are a few key ingredients you'll need.
First off, you'll need some tortillas. Flour is the best type of tortilla for making quesadillas because they're softer and easier to fold.
For the filling, you'll need a mixture of veggies. This recipe calls for sweet potatoes and mixed veggies such as bell peppers, corn, and onion. Use whatever you like.
You'll also need beans. Black beans or pinto beans work beautifully in vegetarian quesadillas.
For a kick of heat, add some jalapenos.
Season your quesadilla filling with cumin, salt, pepper, and chipotle powder, plus some cilantro for a pop of brightness.
Finally, you'll need some cheese. Mexican blend cheese works perfectly, but feel free to mix it up with cheddar, queso fresco, mozzarella, or other cheeses.
How to Make Vegetarian Quesadillas
Ready to make the best homemade veggie quesadillas? Gather up your ingredients, and let's get started! Start by sauteing the diced sweet potatoes for several minutes. Take them out of the pan and set them on a plate. Sauté the rest of the vegetables and jalapenos for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix the sweet potato, beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the veggies, and cook them for a couple more minutes.
Pour everything into a bowl, then wipe down the pan. Pop one tortilla into the pan and spread an even layer of cheese over it. Put a few large tablespoons of filling over one half of the tortilla, then sprinkle some cilantro over the top and fold the tortilla over.
Cook it until the bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds, then flip the quesadilla, and cook it for another 30 to 60 seconds. Serve it immediately with some sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
What to Serve with Vegetarian Quesadillas
Serve your quesadillas with a side of elote (grilled Mexican street corn), chips and guacamole or salsa, cilantro-lime rice, Mexican slaw, or chicken tortilla soup.
Vegetarian Quesadilla Filling Ideas
There are loads of different variations you can try out for your quesadillas. Use different types of vegetables like mushrooms, squash, carrot, cauliflower, broccoli, or try roasting your veggies instead of cooking them in a pan (also a great way to use up leftovers!). Jackfruit is another great option for vegetarians.
Pickled red onions are a delicious alternative to sautéed, especially if you're a fan of tangy flavors.
For a heartier quesadilla, throw in some chopped avocado.
If you're not a vegetarian or follow a flexitarian diet, add chicken, beef, or pork to the filling for a serious protein boost.
Use different types of cheese like queso fresco, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. You can also try adding in sour cream.
Tips for Making Easy Veggie Quesadillas
Don't overfill your quesadillas, otherwise, the filling will fall out.
Don't use too much oil when making the quesadillas.
Cook your quesadillas on medium heat as the tortillas tend to cook quickly and will burn on high heat.
For even healthier quesadillas, you can prepare the filling, then assemble them, and bake them for 5 to 8 minutes at 400F, or until the quesadillas turn golden and the cheese melts.
Air fry your quesadillas at 400F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them once halfway through.
How to Store Vegetarian Quesadillas
Quesadillas are best eaten right away. Once assembled and cooked, they don't tend to store well, although you can get away with it with veggie quesadillas.
Your best option is to keep the tortillas and the filling separate in the fridge, then assemble and cook them within 3 days. Cooked quesadillas will last two to three days in the fridge when kept in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Vegetarian Quesadillas?
Frozen quesadillas will last about 2 months in the fridge, then heat them in a microwave when you're ready to enjoy them again.
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Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Sauté the sweet potato for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and set aside.
Add in the rest of the oil. Sauté the vegetables and jalapenos for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the sweet potato, beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Pour the filling into a bowl and set it aside. Wipe the pan with a clean paper towel.
Heat the pan over medium. Put one tortilla in the pan.
Put the cheese over the whole tortilla. Place 3 to 5 generous tablespoons of filling on one half of the tortilla. Garnish with cilantro.
Fold the tortilla over and cook for 30 seconds, or until the bottom of the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
Flip and cook for 30 to 60 seconds more, then serve.
