These crispy beef quesadillas with beans, rice, melty cheese, and jalapeño ranch are the perfect easy weeknight dinner made from simple leftovers.

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These quesadillas came together almost entirely from leftovers. I had leftover braised beef in the fridge, homemade sourdough tortillas ready to go, some rice and beans already prepped, and a container of my creamy jalapeño ranch sitting in the refrigerator from earlier in the week. Dinner came together so quickly, but it tasted like something way more special.

This is exactly why I love meal prepping components instead of full meals. One batch of braised beef turned into multiple dinners throughout the week, and these crispy cheesy quesadillas might have actually been my favorite use for it. The combination of melty cheese, flavorful beef, creamy beans, and fresh cilantro is already delicious, but dipping everything into the jalapeño ranch completely takes it over the top.

If you have extra jalapeño ranch in the fridge, definitely use it here. It somehow gets even better after sitting overnight. You can find my homemade jalapeño ranch recipe here: Jalapeño Ranch

Why I Love It

These quesadillas are simple, filling, and incredibly flexible. You can use leftover shredded beef, chicken, beans, rice, or whatever you already have in the fridge. They crisp up quickly in a skillet and make such an easy weeknight dinner or lunch.

I also love how budget friendly they are because the beans help stretch the meat further while still making the meal feel hearty and satisfying.

Main Ingredients & Swaps

Tortillas – my homemade sourdough tortillas are amazing here, or my soft corn tortillas, but store bought tortillas work great too
Braised beef – this recipe requires a batch of my simple shredded braised beef, this makes these quesadillas extra filling
Pinto beans – help stretch the filling while adding protein and fiber
Rice – a great way to use up leftovers and make the quesadillas more substantial
Cheese – melts everything together and creates that crispy golden exterior
Cilantro – freshens everything up and adds brightness
My jalapeño ranch dressing – the creamy spicy sauce that ties everything together

Tips

Adding cheese underneath and on top of the filling helps hold the quesadilla together while it cooks.
If your filling is cold from the refrigerator, warming it first helps everything cook evenly and melt faster.
These are perfect for using up leftover rice, beans, meat, or sauces throughout the week.

To watch me make the full recipe, check out my YouTube video below!