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When my kids are tired of sandwiches, easy lunch ideas like these black bean quesadillas come to the rescue! Learn how to pack them for lunch and the tips for keeping them fresh!
Lunch Box Quesadillas with Black Beans
Since this easy lunch idea made its appearance inside my first cookbook, The Best Kids’ Lunches on the Planet, it was a matter of time since I shared how I make and pack these quesadillas with black beans inside a lunch box here.
They are the perfect easy-to-make non-sandwich lunch idea. It’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and has a cheesy kid appeal. The black beans provide protein and fiber, helping our kids stay full through the end of the school day.
What You Need
You’ll find the ingredient amounts for these black bean quesadillas in the recipe card below; but first, some notes on swaps that can be made here:
- Beans: I used black beans, but white, navy, pinto, and even lentils or refried beans will work to make quesadillas.
- Taco seasoning: sprinkling a little inside will add flavor. Use your favorite or make your own.
- Cheese: the “glue” of any quesadilla that holds the tortilla and the filling together. Cheddar, Jack, Mexican blend, or dairy-free cheese will work.
- Tortillas: larger tortillas work better for quesadillas, which is why I used one folded in half. Swap them with spinach tortillas, seasoned wraps, or gluten-free tortillas.
Making Black Bean Quesadilla for School Lunch
Making these quesadillas is a breeze, even on the most rushed mornings. Here are some personal tips for the steps that I’ve found help me get out the door faster and keep them fresh until lunch:
- Make the quesadilla
Over-stuffing will lead to the filling falling apart, just as much as not putting enough cheese. - Grill it
Go ahead and grill it just enough to give it that golden crisp layer everyone loves and melt the cheese. This is an essential step for “glueing” the filling to the tortilla. - Cool down and slice
Letting the quesadilla cool down to room temperature is an essential step that helps prevent it from getting soggy in the lunch box. Slice it into small pieces that fit the lunch container. - Pack it
Pack the quesadilla inside a lunch container or its own compartment of a bento box. Complete the meal with lunch sides and an ice pack if needed.
Lunch Packing Tips
While most of us think about making quesadillas for our kids to eat at home, packing them for school is easy! These are my top tips for sending them in a lunch box:
Pack sides separately.
Fruit, veggies, dips, and any other side should be packed in another lidded container, snack box, or separate compartment to prevent foods from getting soggy.
Cool it down.
Let the quesadilla cool to room temperature before packing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can change its texture to soggy and become less appealing to kids.
Add Nutrition.
Whether it’s veggies and dip or fruit in a lunch box, you’ll need to add more volume to keep kids full until after school.
Keep it fresh.
Adding an ice pack inside the lunch bag helps regulate the temperature and keep foods fresh until lunch.
More School Lunch Ideas with Tortillas
Keeping a pack of tortillas in the pantry or fridge will ensure you never run out of school lunch ideas. Use one to make tortilla sandwich wraps, this Crispy Chicken Wrap with your go-to tenders, a Hummus Wrap, or an Egg Salad Wrap. The possibilities are endless!
Stop Wondering What to Pack.Â
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Black Bean Lunch Quesadillas
Ingredients
- ¼ cup canned black beans, rinsed
- ¼ teaspoon taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large flour tortilla
Instructions
Make the quesadilla:
- Distribute the shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cheese and top with the black beans. Fold the tortilla in half.
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, spray a little cooking spray and place the quesadilla on the hot pan. Grill the first side, cheese-side-down, for 2 minutes, until the bottom is crisp and golden. Use a spatula to flip the quesadilla over and grill it for one more minute on the other side. Remove from the pan onto a cutting board and cut into thirds. Enjoy immediately or pack for school.
Pack for school:
- To pack a quesadilla inside a lunch container, wait 5 minutes until the quesadilla has cooled down to room temperature. Then, place it inside a lunch container along with healthy sides, like fruit and veggies.
- Refrigerate the lunch until you're ready to pack it inside an insulated lunch bag and include an ice pack if necessary.
Amelia says
Such and easy to make recipe!
Erin says
Easy to make ahead and pack for the week. My kids love it!
Tracy says
I love this quesadillas with black beans for lunch!! Such a tasty idea, my kids will devour these!
Riley says
These black bean quesadillas are the perfect school lunch idea! My kiddos are going to love them!!