• Recipes
  • Entertaining
  • Family
  • Life
  • Travel
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Snapchat
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Mama Harris' Kitchen

Bringing you tasty, family-style recipes with fresh local ingredients!

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Recent Posts
  • About
    • About Me – Mama Harris’ Kitchen
    • Press
    • Family Life
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Advertise / Sponsor
    • Privacy Policy

beans cheesy corn kid-friendly main dish Mexican quesadilla recipe tex-mex veggies

Black Bean Medley Quesadillas

So, I have a confession to make.
Lately it’s been a little difficult for me to cook up my “normal” meals for my family.
I’ve been a little out of commission with my left arm and it pretty much affects everything. First my doctors diagnosed me with tendinitis, but then after a second opinion I’m now diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both hands, and cubital tunnel in my left arm. I’m in the process of getting tests done to see the severity, and then discussing options. Surgery could be one of them. It must be all those years of office work catching up to me!
My husband works A LOT. Like, 12 hours a day sometimes, between 4-7 days a week. In addition to the older kids that have all their activities and I’m the taxi mom for, I also have an energetic 3 1/2 year old and a curious 1 1/2 year old I stay home with every day.
To add a little more fun to the mix our male and female dog also just had 6 puppies a month ago!
So suffice it to say, I’ve been a busy mama. What a full house it is!
I have to try to take it easy in the kitchen these days. So, in the spirit of quick and easy these quesadillas are the perfect treat! They’re great for a tasty lunch, or even a nice little dinner!
This meal is quick and easy, without sacrificing taste. It’s also pretty healthy! Well, as far as quesadillas go. I mean, it’s melted CHEESE! They definitely have a “tex-mex” kind of feel to them.
Now I’m not usually one to eat much canned anything, but I do keep a reserve of various canned vegetables and beans. I mean, let’s face it… with 5 kids and Daddy working those long hours, you definitely need some quick meal options once in a while! Sometimes I want to make everyone a tasty meal that doesn’t take FOREVER, and that’s when my canned reserve items in the pantry can be so useful.
Now, when purchasing canned items, always try to get the lowest sodium option. There can be a lot of sodium involved in the canning process, so keep that in mind! When using canned beans, they usually do have the low sodium choice. In addition to that, you can also rinse the beans as well to rid any additional sodium and preservatives as well.
I actually use this black bean medley, as I like to call it, as a side dish as well. It pairs great with chicken or fish tacos, fajitas, regular quesadillas, etc. Just sprinkle a little cheese on top and it’s delicious!
I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained. I used original, but you can choose Mild, Spicy, Chunky etc..
  • 1 can sweet yellow corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 
  • spices of your choice, I add a little cumin and lemon pepper
  • 1 wheat tortilla per quesadilla, the mixture can make 4-5 quesadillas
  • 1/4 cup rinsed fresh spinach leaves
  • about an ounce of mild cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
  • about an ounce of shredded skim mozzarella cheese
  • canola or vegetable oil cooking spray
  • chunky salsa and light sour cream on the side
Directions:
Rinse and drain your corn and beans. Pour them in a medium saucepan.
Lightly drain the Rotel tomatoes and add them to the saucepan. 
Add your spices and season to taste. Mix well. 
Lay your tortilla out and start to prepare the filling on one half of the tortilla.
I slice my american cheese in thin slices, then top with about 1/4 of the bean medley.
Add a handful, or around 1/4 cup of fresh spinach leaves and top with the mozzarella cheese. 
I like to put the cheese on the top and bottom so they’re melted into the filling and also holding the tortilla in place. Fold the empty side over the fill side to close the quesadilla.
Spray your pan with vegetable or canola cooking spray and lay the quesadilla on the pan.
Cook over medium heat until the cheese starts to melt.
Carefully flip the quesadilla over, and cook until the other side of the tortilla has a little crunch to it and all the cheese inside has melted.
Yum!
Let it cool a minute before cutting into them. I find that a pizza cutter works great for cutting them. 
Add a dallop of light sour cream and chunky salsa to dip and serve.
These are also great served with my Crockpot “Refried” Beans on the side.

If you loved this here's more..

  • Mushroom, Zucchini and Carrot SauteMushroom, Zucchini and Carrot Saute
  • Think Outside the Blog – Weekly Blog Hop – Week 4!Think Outside the Blog – Weekly Blog Hop – Week 4!
  • Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream FrostingChocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Cream Frosting
  • Easy Restaurant Style SalsaEasy Restaurant Style Salsa

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • WhatsApp


Previous Post: « Roasted Artichokes
Next Post: Crunchy Pear Crumble »

Primary Sidebar


Read ALL about me here or you can email me at [email protected]
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Stay Updated!

Get all the latest tasty goodness straight to your inbox!

Privacy Policy

Seasonal Recipes

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wings #ChicksWingIt #WingItWednesday | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wings

Street Style Grilled Hot Dogs with Hebrew National #HebrewNationalSummer #ad | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Street Style Grilled Hot Dogs

Popular Categories

  • Main Dish Recipes
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Kid-Friendly Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Veggie Recipes

Search by Category

Popular This Month

Savory Crepes with Turkey, Mushroom and Swiss Cheese | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Savory Crepes with Turkey, Mushroom and Swiss Cheese

Weeknight Dinner Idea: Quick & Easy Chicken Teriyaki Bowl | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Quick & Easy Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

Sunrise Moscato Mimosas | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Sunrise Moscato Mimosas

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream

Quick Pan-Fried Tilapia | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Quick Pan-Fried Tilapia

Open
[Sponsored]: Summertime is coming and will be here before we know it! You all know that I love easy meals during the warmer months, and I also love a good meal in a bowl. It’s also Vidalia Onion season 🧅 so I paired this seasonal favorite with pan-seared shrimp and veggies as a light rice bowl using your choice of grains.☺️This meal is an absolute delight!

#OnlyVidalia Get the recipe and all the Vidalia Onion details by clicking the link in my profile @mamaharriskitchen. Also make sure to grab some @vidaliaonions1 from your local grocer before they are out of season in late August/early September.☀️
Open
This time of year I love warm, comforting recipes that are super easy and delish. This ridiculously easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a one pot meal, ready in under 30 minutes and uses already prepared rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor (and ease)! With a tasty blend of flavors and textures, it’s like a bowl full of comfort. 

Get the recipe by clicking the link in profile at @mamaharriskitchen or just google “Mama Harris Kitchen Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup” 🍲 Enjoy!
Open
(AD) There has been a lot of cooking going on this year, so I’ve tried to make life a bit easier by getting creative with my leftovers. These pulled pork totchos are a great example of leftovers with a few key ingredients to create something new to keep our meals exciting. Adding a few key ingredients like @lamorenausa adobo peppers and jalapeños and carrots definitely livens up something simple. La Morena peppers are hand selected, using only the highest quality peppers to bring you authentic home style flavors of Mexico. I purchased my La Morena items from my local Safeway, but you can find them at your favorite grocery store in the international food section. #PayItForwardwithLM #VivaLaMorena #WeCanWithLaMorena 
 
INGREDIENTS:
- 32 oz tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend + Pepper Jack)
- 2 cups prepared bbq pulled pork (check my pulled pork sliders recipe!)
- 1/2 can La Morena Adobo Peppers & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sour cream 
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 cup pico de Gallo
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 3 chopped green onions 
- 3-4 La Morena jalapeños and carrots, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare tater tots as instructed, in air fryer or oven. Heat oven to 450°. 
Cover the bottom of a large cast iron skillet with the cooked tater tots. 
Top with 1 1/2 cup of cheese. 
Combine the chopped adobo peppers and sauce with the prepared bbq pulled pork. Spread the pulled pork mixture on top of the tater tots, then top with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
Top with sour cream, ranch, pico de Gallo, guacamole, green onions, and sliced jalapeños and carrots.

Enjoy!! 😋
Open
✨Growth✨
Open
Happy December, all!! 🎄Since it’s basically Christmas now, it’s time to share ALL the holiday cookies! 

Every year I join my friend @natashanicholes as she heads up her #HousefulofCookies virtual cookie swap, where many of us share some sweet treats for the holiday season. 

This year I’ve created Cranberry Pistachio Citrus Cookies to share as my contribution. 🍪 I know that a lot of things have turned “virtual” throughout this year, but a little virtual bake-off is a fun way to connect with some of your favorite people!

For this recipe and many more, click the link in my profile at @mamaharriskitchen ❤️
Open
🚨This recipe is always popular after Thanksgiving! 🍗 
To find out how to make these delicious savory crêpes filled with sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and leftover shredded Turkey click the link in profile at @mamaharriskitchen 😋
Open
So Thanksgiving is next week and we’re well into soup season, but I’m not willing to give up my Taco Tuesdays. 🌮 At this point we are choosing whatever makes us happy to get through the weeks, am I right? ❤️

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes, on taco Tuesday or any other day really, try my baked Turkey tacos with black beans plus all the toppings that your heart desires! 😘
Click the link in bio at @mamaharriskitchen for the recipe!
Open
Hello Instagram fam! 💖 There’s some new faces around here and it’s been a while since I showed mine!

I’m Dawn, creator of Mama Harris’ Kitchen, and I’m so glad you’re here with me! In this space I share my family-friendly recipes for all occasions, whether it be a 30-minute meal for those busy weeknight dinners or a full spread for entertaining a crowd - and everything in between.

Mama Harris’ Kitchen began back in 2012, in fact it’s 8 years this month! 🥳  What started as a way to document my newfound cooking hobby while managing my “new” life as a stay-at-home wife and mom to a 1 and 3 year along with teens and preteens, and it quickly grew into what it is now - a recipe resource for busy families like mine that enjoy flavorful and comforting home-cooking using pantry staples along with fresh and local ingredients as often as possible. 

🍿Five fun facts about me:
1. I LOVE elephants! 🐘 I collect a lot of elephant items, whether it’s trinkets or  artwork, notepads etc. I love what elephants symbolize and I truly love anything elephant related.
2. I’m a total plant lady! 🌱 I have about 35 houseplants, give or take, and there’s still more on the list of wants. Plants have become such a peaceful outlet for me, and I feel that they really center me within my space. I love the element plants bring to your space and the feel of your home with them in it, and new leaves are so exciting!
3. I have seven tattoos and I have plans for about eight more. 💉 Those that know me aren’t surprised, but those that follow me here tend to find it a bit surprising. 🙃
4. I’ve been a mother for a long time, over half my life! I’ve also been a lot of different “types” of mom - teen mom, single mom, working mom, stepmom, stay at home mom, PROUD mom, military mom, mother in law - the list goes on. No matter what, motherhood looks different for everyone and there’s unique challenges and experiences each mother faces. Please be gentle with yourself! ❤️At the end of the day we’re all just trying our best!
5. I’m a bit of an introvert, and often struggle with the “social” aspect of social media. I tend to go silent sometimes, but I’m working on it.

☀️Thank you for joining me here!
Open
Did you know that the third Sunday of July is considered National Ice Cream Day? 🍦Not that we need an excuse to enjoy our favorite treat! You can make any day one to celebrate with my Birthday Cake Ice Cream! Full of rich creamy flavor, colorful sprinkles and maraschino cherries. 🍒 No “official” birthday needed to treat yourself!

Get the recipe now! Click the link in my profile at @mamaharriskitchen ✨
Load More Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Get all the latest recipes straight to your inbox!

Footer

You Might Also Like

Southwest Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad with Chipotle Ranch (ad) #BTBGrillingRecipes #IC | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Southwest Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

Chili Rubbed Ribeye Tacos with Esquites (Elote Salad) #SaveMartSummer AD | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Chili Rubbed Ribeye Tacos with Esquites (Elote Salad)

Fresh Lentil Bean Salad AD #LoveALentil #LetsLentil | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Fresh Lentil Bean Salad

Grilled Pineapple Asparagus Salad | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Grilled Pineapple Asparagus Salad

Crunchy Broccoli-Apple Salad with Creamy Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing #BetterWithCraisins AD | Mama Harris' Kitchen

Crunchy Broccoli-Apple Salad with Creamy Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing

- View More Recipes Like This -

my foodgawker galleryEverywhere Society Member

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Mama Harris Kitchen

Copyright © 2025 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in