Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Crema

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory ground beef and black beans layered with melted cheese inside toasted tortillas, served with a refreshing cilantro lime crema. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, canned, drained and rinsed black beans, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup drained and rinsed black beans, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes until heated through and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Remove beef mixture from skillet and wipe clean. Lay 1 large flour tortilla flat and sprinkle with 3/8 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over one half. Spoon 1/4 of the beef and bean mixture over the cheese, then top with another 3/8 cup cheese.
  4. Step 4: Fold the tortilla in half and brush 1/2 tbsp olive oil on the outside. Place in the skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese melts.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl to create the cilantro lime crema.
  6. Step 6: Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with the cilantro lime crema on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Crema take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Crema?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Crema?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Beef and Black Bean Quesadillas with Cilantro Lime Crema?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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