Cheesy Baked Quesadillas Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering, cheesy delight that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying, look no further than these delectable Baked Quesadillas. Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these quesadillas are ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering. With a zesty tomato mixture and a cheesy filling, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike. Here’s how to create these scrumptious baked quesadillas in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes 🌶️
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice 🍋
- 1 tablespoon chili powder 🌶️
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀
- 10 flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, combine the stewed tomatoes, diced green pepper, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well.
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Simmer the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.
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Add the Beans:
- Stir in the pinto beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb the flavors of the mixture. Remove from heat.
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Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
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Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Top the cheese with approximately 1/3 cup of the tomato mixture. Fold the other half of the tortilla over to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
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Prepare for Baking:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the prepared quesadillas in the dish, making sure they are not overlapping.
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Top with Extra Cheese:
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of each quesadilla for a delicious, cheesy crust.
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Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the quesadillas for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
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Serve:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the quesadillas from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Enjoy these cheesy baked quesadillas as a delightful snack, a satisfying lunch, or a hearty dinner. Each bite is packed with flavor and gooey cheese, making them a perfect addition to any meal. 🍽️🌟
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, ideal for sharing with family and friends. The total time required is just 45 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cheesy treat, these quesadillas are sure to hit the spot.