Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy Mexican quesadillas loaded with sweet potato, black beans, and topped with zesty guacamole. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes blends large tortillas, diced sweet potato, (15 oz) black beans into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 cups diced sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until tender and golden brown, using a fork to check for fork-tenderness. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
  2. Step 2: Drain and rinse 1 can (15 oz) black beans, then transfer to a bowl. Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, mixing until combined. Tip: For a smoky flavor, add 1/2 tsp ground cumin to the mixture before spreading.
  3. Step 3: Place 1 large tortilla on a clean surface and spread 1/3 of the sweet potato-black bean mixture evenly over the center, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the tortilla in half, then press gently to seal. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Place 2 folded quesadillas in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan. Tip: Use a lid to cover the pan during cooking to speed up the process.
  5. Step 5: For guacamole, mash 1 ripe avocado in a bowl with a fork until smooth. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over the avocado and stir to combine. Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and mix until well incorporated. Tip: Add lime juice first to prevent browning—store in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm quesadillas immediately, topped with a dollop of guacamole. For extra flavor, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp chili powder or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole?

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 Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

Is Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas with Guacamole vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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