RECIPE: BEYOND BEEF SKILLET QUESADILLAS

Quesadillas are simple to make without a recipe, but I wanted to write this one out using Beyond Meat beef crumbles (a ground beef alternative made of pea protein). These quesadillas were FULL of flavor and ready to eat in about 30 minutes. The ingredients list might look lengthy at first, but you probably have about half of those items in your kitchen right now! I recommend it for those nights when you’re pressed for time but still want to eat something home cooked and packed with nutrients. Perfect for Meatless Monday!

​Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas (9-10 inches)
• Canola oil, spray
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 15 oz black beans (drained, rinsed)
• 8.75 oz canned sweet corn (drained, rinsed)
• 1 cup frozen Beyond Meat beef crumbles
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese (If you want your quesadillas to be extra cheesy, make sure you have another 1-2 cups of shredded cheese. Monterey jack cheese works well, too!)

Directions:

• Prepare the filling:
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Saute onions for a few minutes until starting to soften. Stir in Beyond Meat beef crumbles, season with spices, and heat while stirring for another 3 minutes.
  3. Add jalapeno, black beans, corn, and cilantro to the skillet. Stir until everything is mixed well and heated through.
  4. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside. Wipe up any excess oil or liquid in the skillet with a paper towel–this helps keep your tortillas from getting soggy or greasy.
• Prepare the tortillas:
  1. Place your tortillas on a flat surface and add shredded cheese to half of each.
  2. Add filling to evenly cover the cheese, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top, fold in half and press down slightly.
• Heat the quesadillas:
  1. On medium heat, lightly coat the large skillet with spray canola oil.
  2. Place your folded quesadilla onto the skillet and heat until lightly browned, then flip to brown the other side. This took about 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Slice each quesadilla into 4, and enjoy with whatever toppings you’d like!
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, low fat sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo​

Note: This recipe calls for 4 tortillas but it can easily serve more than 4 people, especially if you use toppings like sour cream or avocado slices that would help fill you up. If you have any extra filling, keep it refrigerated and use for breakfast tacos or omelets the next day!

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