Name: Cheesy Tuna & Bean Quesadillas with Spicy Mayo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) canned tuna (drained); 1 can (16 oz) refried beans; 2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese; 8 flour tortillas; 3 tablespoons spicy mayo

Cheesy Tuna & Bean Quesadillas with Spicy Mayo

A quick American-Mexican fusion quesadilla packed with canned tuna, refried beans, and melted Colby jack cheese. Served with a kick of spicy mayo and fresh apple slices on the side. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.

20 min

Easy

4 servings

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Taste Profile

Sweet2/10

Salty7/10

Sour2/10

Umami7/10

Spicy3/10

🥄 Texture

Crispy, golden tortilla exterior gives a satisfying crunch while the interior is gooey from melted Colby Jack. Creamy refried beans and flaky tuna provide soft, slightly chunky contrast in each bite.

👃 Aroma

Warm toasted tortilla and melted cheese dominate with a rich, dairy-forward scent, while canned tuna brings a mild, savory-briny note. The spicy mayo adds a faint tangy/peppery aroma, especially when used as a dip.

🍷 Pairs Well With

Crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican lager; nonalcoholic options: iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

🥗 Side Dishes

Fresh apple slices (as suggested) for brightness, plus options like pico de gallo or guacamole, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or tortilla chips and pickled jalapeños.

Instructions

Drain the canned tuna in a colander and place it in a small bowl. Mix the drained tuna with 2 tablespoons of spicy mayo until well combined.

Warm the refried beans in a small pot over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Place one flour tortilla on a cutting board. Spread 2 tablespoons of warm refried beans on half of the tortilla, then add 2 tablespoons of the tuna mixture and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas total.

Remove quesadillas from the pan and let cool for 1 minute. Cut each quesadilla in half, serve on a plate with remaining spicy mayo for dipping, and enjoy with fresh apple slices on the side.