black bean butternut squash quesadillas + chipotle lime crema
Hidy-ho there, friends!
Pretend I didn’t just say that. Let’s start over.
I’m chatting it up with you from the land of corn, a.k.a. Iowa, where I’m currently hanging out with other blogger peeps in the cornfields (literally) and learning all about, well, um, corn. In case that wasn’t already clear. I’ll catch you up to speed on what, exactly, I’ve been doing here for the past couple of days soon, but today, we must focus on this glorious quesadilla.
I know the black bean-butternut squash combination in the ‘dilla is nothing new to the Interwebs, but it is to my face. And I’m kind of crying a bit because I hadn’t introduced it to my face sooner. The chipotle pepper in the crema might have a little something to do with that crying, too, as I am what one would call a “wuss” in the spice department. Orders mild every time ? that’s me.
But back to the ‘dilla. To me, a quesadilla with just cheese is sometimes just right (with extra cheese, please). But sometimes, it’s just so college-midnight-snackish. And in those times, I need black beans, taco-seasoned butternut squash, fresh lime juice, cilantro and boatloads of Monterey Jack cheese in my quesadilla. With chipotle lime crema on the side. MAMA.
I’m not kidding about that college midnight snack thing. I was a regular quesadilla monster then (think Cookie Monster, minus the cookies. OK I ate a lot of cookies, too) — not just for midnight snacks, but also for lunch and dinner and daytime snacks. That’s what happens when you have maybe a kitchenette and barely two pennies to rub together to your name and tortillas + cheese = affordable and filling. Plus those cookies.
That being said, I am still not sick of quesadillas, nor ever will I be (because cheese, obvi). But I’ve grown up a bit in the ways of quesadilla making and, ergo, I often need to add a little pizzazz. In this case, that pizzazz is a Tex-Mex/autumn vegetable fusion that is truly yummy — and highly adaptable, too! So if you like it spicy, go ahead and add an extra chipotle pepper to that crema. If you like more lime flavor, squeeze a little more juice in the butternut squash. Feel free to go crazy and add other types of cheese (I have a hunch goat cheese would make this quesadilla bonkers delicious) or toss in some shredded chicken. Or corn? YES TO CORN. Because that’s kind of what’s on my mind right now.
On that note, I’m off to join my friends again in the cornfields, but you better believe I’ll be secretly dreaming of plans of midnight snackery with this quesadilla.

Black Bean Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Chipotle Lime Crema
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 23 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the chipotle lime crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 chipotle chile from a can of chipotles in adobo sauce
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lime
For the quesadillas:
- 1/2 cup mashed cooked butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup canned (rinsed and drained) black beans
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- To make the chipotle lime crema: Process all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Adjust to taste, if needed (add more chipotle chiles, more garlic, maybe a dash of salt, etc.). Set aside to thicken up slightly.
- Meanwhile, make the quesadillas: In a small bowl, combine the butternut squash, cilantro, taco seasoning and lime juice. Adjust to taste, if needed.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet; spread the butternut squash mixture on top. Top with the black beans, then sprinkle with the cheese (go ahead; you can add extra cheese if you want). Top with the second tortilla. Cook 3 to 5 minutes on one side until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Cut the quesadilla into wedges; serve with the crema on the side or spooned on top, along with extra cilantro and/or other toppings like salsa or diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos and guacamole.
Quesadillas are pretty awesome!
I also haven’t tried the butternut/black bean combo. Thanks for the heads up. These look great!
Oh my gosh, these look so delicious! I’m totally falling for that crema, and I haven’t personally tried the butternut squash/black bean combo yet (whyyyy?!). Hope you’re having an amazing time in Iowa! I’ve been IG-stalking everyone like crazy! 🙂
Oh girl…that creama!! So yummy.
I want to cry for never having butter squash in quesadilla. Like that is changing now!!
This sounds so good!! Must make for lunch today! 🙂
I love me a quesadilla and this combo of flavours sounds perfect. Love the spicy lime crema too, just tops it off perfectly.
Black bean and butternut squash is one of my favorite fall combos. I’ll definitely try out this recipe – thanks for sharing!
We’re on the same page with the butternut squash today! These quesadillas look amazing!!
Yeeeeah! I hope you’uns have lots of fun in Iowa!! Can’t wait to hear the stories and see the pics.
These dillas are driving me bonkerwoodles <- I.just.don't.even.know….Butternut squarsh is one of my faves and that chipotle lime crema? Gimme a straw!!
Oh my gosh! I wish I had all of the ingredients to make this for lunch! It needs to happen soon though.
I just had some butternut squash enchiladas last night that were incredible so I know I’d go crazy for these quesadillas!
College student here, and confession: I ate a quesadilla for dinner last night. It had steak and caramelized onions and was SO GOOD. Quesadillas FTW. And this one…omg. The black beans and butternut?! And that crema? Yes pleaseeee! This is what’s happening next quesadilla night. Pinned!
Looks amazing Stephanie! The crema sounds awesome – I will definitely try to veganise it with cashew cream!
Oh, this combo….I heart it BIG time! I definitely need this quesadilla sooner than later! Loving all your IG photos 🙂
Yes please!!! Looks so good, lady!