Description

Quesadillas are a fantastic way to transform leftovers into a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal. Using whatever ingredients you have on hand—whether cooked meats, veggies, beans, or cheese—you can create a customized quesadilla that’s both delicious and resourceful. This recipe is perfect for minimizing food waste while enjoying a crispy, melty, and flavorful dish ready in minutes.

Ingredients

2 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if preferred)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 to 1 ½ cups leftover cooked ingredients (chicken, beef, beans, vegetables, rice, etc.)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
Place one tortilla flat in the skillet.
Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the tortilla.
Spread the leftover ingredients evenly on top of the cheese.
Add the remaining cheese over the fillings to help the quesadilla stick together.
Place the second tortilla on top and gently press down.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute before slicing into wedges.
Serve with optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

Store leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat quesadilla slices in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy, or microwave for 30-60 seconds for convenience (though the tortilla won’t stay as crisp).
Use cheese on both sides of the filling to help the quesadilla stick together and prevent falling apart.
Quesadillas freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in toaster oven or skillet.
Add fresh herbs or greens like cilantro, spinach, or arugula for freshness and texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 40mg