Photo: Unsplash
Cheese makes people happy therefore this is the best way to make a group (and their stomachs) happy.
Ingredients
4 scallions, thinly sliced with the white and green parts separated
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
1 pound (about 4 cups) cooked* shredded or diced chicken OR 1 1/2 lbs of cooked ground beef
2 (15-ounce) cans of pinto or black beans (or one of each), rinsed and drained
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
Melted butter or olive oil
16 (10-inch) flour tortillas or 24 (8-inch) flour tortillas (we also love Siete tortillas for a gluten-free version)
3 to 4 cups shredded Mexican blend or Pepperjack cheese
Can serve with: guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, and/or sour cream
*You can also add a jalapeno, an onion, 4-5 cloves of garlic and/or bell pepper into the mix if that’s what you’re into.
Instructions
Heat oven to 425°F. Lightly brush the bottom of a 13 x 18-inch sheet pan evenly with melted butter or olive oil
Sauté any veggies you might use until soft, then mixture to a large mixing bowl.
Add cooked meat (chicken or beef), beans, sour cream, the green parts of the scallions and toss the mixture until evenly combined. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Arrange tortillas overlapping around the perimeter of the pan so that half of the tortillas overhang the rim, with two additional tortillas layered in the center so that the entire bottom surface of the pan is covered. Spread the filling evenly over the tortillas, followed by an even layer of the cheese. Place two tortillas overlapping in the center of the pan (similarly to how you arranged the bottom layer), then fold the overhanging tortillas back towards the center until all of the filling is covered. Brush the tops of the tortillas evenly with melted butter/olive oil.
Place another large baking sheet on top of the quesadilla to weigh it down. Transfer the stacked baking sheets to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the top baking sheet and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly golden.
Slice the quesadilla into your desired size/shape of pieces and serve warm with your desired toppings and sauces.
