Easy Cheesy Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe for Kids

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This black bean quesadilla recipe for kids is an easy dinner for busy weeknights, meatless Monday, taco Tuesdays, or really just any kid friendly meal. These delicious quesadillas taste great with your favorite salsa, creamy avocado ranch, savory rice, fresh corn, or slices of fresh vegetables. The canned black beans are smashed and disguised in lots of melted cheese for picky eaters or fussy eaters to enjoy.

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Simple Ingredients Breakdown for this Vegetarian Quesadilla Recipe for Kids

Black Beans

Making black bean quesadillas is a great way to expose little ones to new or more vegetables. Black beans are high in protein and a source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and zinc – all nutrients needed for healthy, growing bones.

Tortillas

My go-to tortillas are Siete Almond Flour Tortillas. These tortillas provide the perfect crunch when baked. Homemade flour tortillas are a great option, but this requires a little more preparation. I have not tried this with corn tortillas, only flour. Corn tortillas have a better texture when fried over baked. Whole wheat tortillas are a good option too.

Here are two recipes for homemade tortillas:

• Homemade Sourdough Tortillas
• Simple Tortilla Recipe

Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend works lovely in this quesadilla recipe. When it comes to cheese, it’s a mama-make-do response. I will use any cheddar or white cheese (like Monterey Jack cheese) that we have in the fridge. I love to put a dollop of queso because our family could live off queso cheese. Melted cheese draws my family to the kitchen.

Seasonings

Flavor. All food must have flavor. It’s a basic requirement. I do limit my seasonings to just chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt because I want my cheesy quesadillas to be as kid-friendly as possible. Feel free to experiment with the spices to find what you love. You could also substitute my seasonings with one teaspoon of your favorite taco seasoning but be aware of the heat if preparing for little ones.

Avocado Oil

It’s important to use an oil with a smoke point higher than 400ºF. Avocado oil contains vitamin E and is high in oleic acid (unsaturated fat).

How to Get Kids Involved in the Kitchen?

This is a perfect lunch for kids to learn how to make themselves once you teach them how. Of course with age-appropriate supervision, especially with removing the pan from the hot oven. I love that teaching our kids to cook increases their confidence and flames their independence. Cooking is a life skill, and it can be so fun to learn together and prepare an easy meal together.

Here is a list of tasks for kids in the kitchen while making this Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe for Kids:

1. Follow one-step instructions from the written recipe
2. Gather ingredients
3. Use a can opener*
4. Drain and rinse black beans
5. Smash the black beans
6. Prepare a baking sheet
7. Count tortillas and arrange on the baking sheet
8. Brush oil on tortillas (encourage only one dip into the oil 🙂 )
9. Scoop bean mixture and sprinkle cheese
10. Set timer
11. Serve family
12. Clean up the kitchen

* Supervise and consider age appropriateness for the task. Always supervise kids in the kitchen. You know your children the best.

Encouragement: Your kids do not have to do every step.

If your kids are new to helping in the kitchen, start by letting them choose just one task to help. These tips and ideas are not to overwhelm you but encourage and empower you as a caregiver.

How to make Kid-Friendly Black Bean Quesadillas?

Equipment

• medium bowl
• small bowl for oil
• potato masher
• baking sheet
• parchment paper (optional)
• pastry brush

Ingredient List

• 1 can (14oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 4 (8-10″) tortillas (we love flour or almond flour tortillas)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend

Step-by-Step Instructions for Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe for Kids

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. First, place the beans (drained and rinsed) in a medium bowl and mash with a potato masher or a fork. Mix in seasonings.
3. Next, brush the bottom side of each tortilla with a little oil and place it (oil side down) on the prepared pan.
4. Now, assemble each quesadilla. Sprinkle cheese, and a scoop of black bean mixture, and top with more cheese on the bottom tortilla. Place a second tortilla on top and brush with a little oil.
5. Last, bake the tortillas for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Enjoy warm with fresh salsa, creamy avocado ranch, sour cream, hot sauce, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, or guacamole. A squirt of lime or lime juice adds a refreshing taste.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in preheated oven (400F) for 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Ways to Serve this Veggie Quesadilla Recipe to Kids:

1. Slice quesadillas into triangles or small strips that make it easier to dip into their favorite dip.
2. Serve with their favorite dips, such as salsa, ranch, queso, or guacamole.
3. Serve with a familiar side such as chips, veggie slices, veggie straws, crackers, or rice.

How to Serve Quesadillas to Younger Kids?

Infants and Toddlers (> 6 months and older, familiar with solids)

Deconstruct the quesadilla or only offer the cooked smashed black beans and shredded cheese.

I love to serve avocado ranch with this meal. I puree extra avocado and set it aside before making the ranch dip. So, I would offer my baby/toddler two options either:

• cooked smashed black beans
• strips of baked tortillas
• purred avocado
• shredded cheese

Three of Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Recipes

Creamed Spinach (or Kid-Friendly Dip)

Creamed spinach is a great way to get your family to eat more spinach. I offer this creamed spinach as a dip with my kids’ favorite crackers or chips.

Get the Recipe HERE.

Kid-Friendly Salsa

A delightful tomato and fruit combination. Offer with chips, crackers, or veggie slices for the perfect afternoon snack or evening appetizer.

Get the Recipe HERE.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are always a good idea. 🙂

Get the Recipe HERE.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Finally, I want to thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite southwestern meal or one of your favorite go-to recipes with me. If you make this deliciously Black Bean Quesadilla Easy Recipe for Kids, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating.

– With Great Joy, Katie!

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