This southwestern breakfast quesadilla is a healthy and protein-packed way to start the day. Filled with eggs, black beans and vegetables.
"Yikes! I'll get the eggs started." When my husband (Steve) spots the crazed look in my eyes as I walk through the door after my Saturday morning long run, he knows his best line of defense is to start cooking breakfast. Stat. Even though I fuel up ahead of time and pop some energy chews during the run, I burn so many calories that I am famished for the rest of the day. Food, food, food. I'm like cookie monster, shoving cookies into his face, crumbs flying every which way. It's not pretty.
Steve started making these breakfast quesadillas several months ago. They really have it all. The black beans and eggs pack a punch of protein, filling my growling tummy and helping my muscles to rejuvenate. The whole wheat tortilla provides enough good carbs to refill the ol' energy stores. And the salsa, red bell pepper and cheese? Vitamins, flavor and gooey-ness. There's a lot to be said for cheesy gooey-ness.
The recipe:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper and cooking, stirring occasionally, until the red pepper is just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the black beans and stir to combine.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites and water.
Pour the eggs into the skillet with the red bell pepper mixture. Cook, scraping the pan occasionally, until the eggs are scrambled and just set. Season with the salt and pepper.
Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Lay 1 whole wheat tortilla in the pan, and top half of the tortilla with ¼ of the cheese, egg mixture and cilantro.
Fold over the other side of the tortilla to form a half-circle. Press down with a spatula as the cheese melts to seal the quesadilla.
When the bottom is golden brown, flip the quesadilla and brown on the other side.
Remove from the pan, cut into thirds and serve with salsa.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, egg mixture and cilantro.
Other egg and tortilla breakfast recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's Make-Ahead Egg Wrap with Ham, Avocado & Salsa
Closet Cooking's Salsa Verde Huevos Rancheros
The Perfect Pantry's Basic Breakfast Burrito
The Nesting Project's Caprese Breakfast Wrap
Southwestern Breakfast Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- ½ cup black beans rinsed and drained (I prefer Bush's Beans)
- 4 eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 whole wheat tortillas
- ½ cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- salsa for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper and cooking, stirring occasionally, until the red pepper is just tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the black beans and stir to combine.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites and water.
- Pour the eggs into the skillet with the red bell pepper mixture. Cook, scraping the pan occasionally, until the eggs are scrambled and just set. Season with the salt and pepper.
- Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Lay 1 whole wheat tortilla in the pan, and top half of the tortilla with ¼ of the cheese, egg mixture and cilantro.
- Fold over the other side of the tortilla to form a half-circle. Press down with a spatula as the cheese melts to seal the quesadilla.
- When the bottom is golden brown, flip the quesadilla and brown on the other side.
- Remove from the pan, cut into thirds and serve with salsa.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, egg mixture and cilantro.
Nutrition
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Sue Korman
I just made this for breakfast. Absolutely delicious! Adding this one to my favorites fire sure.
I made a couple of minor changes: all egg whites instead of combining with whole eggs, used 3 tbsp fat-free half & half in place of 6 tbsp water, and added a diced jalapeño pepper.
Lupita
Colors also contribute to total beauty oof your garden.
History: The L
michelle
Sounds perfectly delicious! Can't wait to make it tomorrow (with some avocado on the side, of course!).
Julie
I'm salivating just looking at this recipe. This is a "must make". Thanks for sharing!
Terri A.
Great idea! Usually have all that stuff on hand, so will try soon!
Gina
Now that would be awesome for a breakfast for dinner thing! Something that my husband does not care much for- but when you don't cook, you don't get a say! 🙂 Consider yourself 'pinned'.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This is such a fabulous idea! I always love trying new quesadilla recipes!
sippitysup.com
Is Utah the SW? I bet it is. You have this down. XOGREG
Sarah @ Will Run for Pasta
I'm always looking for well-rounded breakfast ideas and this looks amazing!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
Pinning. Making. Thank you. 😀