Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Black Beans

This is a variation of our healthy quesadilla base recipe. You might think that sweet potatoes in a quesadilla sounds strange, but trust us – it’s delicious! Sweet potatoes, Mexican spices, black beans, and melted cheese all wrapped inside a toasty whole wheat tortilla is a delicious combination. These sweet potato quesadillas with black beans will not disappoint!

Must Know Cooking Skill

For recipe success, learn how to:

Culinary Tips for Delicious Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Prick the sweet potatoes before baking or you might have a potato explosion in the oven! This recipe is also a great way to use leftover baked sweet potatoes.

Watch the heat level as the quesadillas cook. If the heat is too high, the tortilla will get too brown before the cheese melts.

Room temperature or warm fillings cook faster and ensure that they are heated all the way through.

Assembling the quesadillas on the skillet is another preparation method. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes on the tortilla on the countertop, then place it on the hot pan. Sprinkle the cheese to cover the entire tortilla, then place the beans on one half of the tortilla. Once the cheese is mostly melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy on the bottom, fold the tortilla in half and remove it from the heat.

In a hurry? Microwave the assembled quesadilla for about 30 seconds to begin melting the cheese, then finish on the pan to toast the tortilla.

Allow quesadillas to cool slightly before cutting. 

Ingredient Substitutions

• Sweet Potatoes: use leftover mashed sweet potatoes, or if you don’t have time to roast them in advance, use canned sweet potato puree. You can also substitute butternut squash or pumpkin, but the flavor won’t be quite as sweet.
• Butter or Canola Oil: substitute avocado or olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil can be used if the heat isn’t too high.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas: substitute corn, flour, or gluten-free tortillas. Note that flour tortillas don’t provide the same whole grain benefits. Corn tortillas and smaller tortillas need to be stacked rather than folded.
• Spices: substitute a taco seasoning blend or other Mexican spice blend. Feel free to add additional spices too!
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: substitute Monterey jack, mozzarella, cheddar, or queso oaxaca.
• Canned Black Beans: substitute canned pinto beans. You can also substitute 1 ½ cups black or pinto beans cooked from dried.

Recipe Variations

To make these sweet potato quesadillas vegan, just leave out the cheese. They will still stick together and taste great!

Love goat cheese? Make sweet potato goat cheese quesadillas by replacing the Mexican shredded cheese with one ounce of goat cheese. The tanginess of the goat cheese balances perfectly with the sweetness of the sweet potato.

Need some simple quesadilla recipe inspiration? 

Use our healthy quesadilla base recipe as a guide or try out this variation! 

Equipment Recommendations

You just need a few pieces of kitchen equipment to make this sweet potato black bean quesadilla recipe!

• Griddle or Skillet
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wide Turner/Spatula
• Pastry Brush

Is this sweet potato quesadilla recipe healthy?

You bet! Restaurant quesadillas are very cheese heavy, and while we love cheese, they tend to be more overindulgent than we recommend. These sweet potato quesadillas are still cheesy, but loaded with black beans, sweet potatoes, and spice to balance flavor and nutrition!

Whole Wheat Tortillas

Whole grains are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, Vitamin E, trace minerals, and phytonutrients. Replacing refined grains (i.e. flour tortillas) with whole grains (i.e. whole wheat tortillas) may reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. (1)

Choose whole wheat tortillas with as few additives as possible.

Black Beans

Beans contain plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are an important part of a plant-forward diet. These nutrients promote gut health, decrease risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and promote a healthy weight. When purchasing canned beans, look for low-sodium varieties.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of important nutrients, such as beta carotene and anthocyanins which are naturally occurring phytonutrients. These phytonutrients help prevent diseases. 

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Quesadillas

These quesadillas make a great addition to The Whole Life Plate! Pair with a light salad, roasted vegetables, and/or a side of fruit. Don’t forget condiments, like Greek yogurt crema or sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. And yes, salsa counts as a vegetable!

Storage Tips for Quesadillas

Cool quesadillas completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Leftover quesadillas can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual quesadillas in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. 

Quesadillas taste best reheated on a griddle or skillet or in the oven, but the microwave will work in a pinch.

Want more Mexican Inspired Recipes? 

Try out these delicious recipes!

Baked Tostadas Base Recipe

Ground Beef and Mushroom Taco Meat

Taco Hummus

One Pan Mexican Quinoa Skillet