This recipe for vegetarian quesadillas is a sponsored post by Lentils.org, but, as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that make Girl Heart Food possible and for helping me continue to do what I love: cook and share delicious recipes! #GetPrepped
These easy vegetarian quesadillas are jam packed with cheese and lentils and have a little kick of spice from chipotle. For added texture and flavour, it’s mixed with corn and bell peppers. Melty cheddar cheese tops it all off for one delicious meatless Monday dinner or Friday night snack.
Hi friends! How was your weekend? So Groundhog Day was this past Friday and, apparently, there’s a mix of results.
In some areas the groundhog saw it’s shadow (which means 6 more weeks of winter). Fortunately, for us, the groundhog ’round here didn’t see it’s shadow. Do you follow any of that?
I try to look at it optimistically and the fact that next month is March makes me super happy.
Winter hasn’t been to bad around here so far and even if it was, it’s only an excuse to stay cozy (and maybe enjoy a big stack of these vegetarian quesadillas). Always look on the bright side, am I right?
What are Lentils?
Anyhow, let’s talk food! More specifically, let’s talk lentils! Lentils are a legume and can be found in a variety of colours and sizes with each varying in cook time.
A big bonus with lentils is that no soaking is required. They are ready to go when you are. Lentils make for quick dinners for busy weekdays and can be kept right in your pantry.
I always have a couple of varieties on hand, mostly red lentils and green lentils (which take a tad longer to cook because they are a little larger).
Benefits of Lentils
Just like milk, bread and eggs, lentils are something that we have regularly stocked in our home.
First, and foremost, they are loaded with nutrition! Lentils are a source of fibre and protein (which I’m always trying to incorporate into our diet).
Plus, lentils are pretty inexpensive! I could make a huge batch of lentils and they could cover multiple meals in our home.
Another huge plus of lentils is that they are super versatile. I regularly make slow cooker curried lentils, use them in soup, curries, dips and now for these awesome cheesy lentil quesadillas. It’s amazing how one ingredient can be used in so many delicious ways!
How to Make these Easy Vegetarian Quesadillas
The ingredients for these vegetarian quesadillas are pretty simple and I’m all about that!
Also, these quesadillas come together quite quickly.
You cook the vegetables for just a short time so they still have some crunch and texture, remove from the pan and then cook the lentils.
Then, you just mash the lentils and mix in with the vegetables.
Spread the yummy mixture on a small tortilla, top with cheese and green onion and bake until the cheese is gooey and melty.
The rest? Just dig in! Full details on how to make this recipe are in the recipe card below.
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Serving Suggestions
These oven baked lentil quesadillas are awesome on their own or served with a dip or sauce, like:
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Greek yogurt
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Hope I’ve inspired you to use lentils! The possibilities are endless and they always taste delicious every single time.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy them?
These cheesy vegetarian quesadillas with lentils are a great place to start!
More Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
- Creamy Blue Cheese and Mushroom Pasta
- Three Bean Chili
- Vegetarian Korma
- Mushroom Risotto with Thyme
- Lentil and Kale Soup
If you make this lentil quesadilla recipe, be sure to leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed!
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Cheesy Lentil Quesadillas
Ingredients
Cheesy Lentil Quesadillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion , peeled and minced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- ½ bell pepper , diced (colour of your choice)
- 1 ear corn , kernels removed (about 1 cup)
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt , divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper , divided
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth , divided
- 1 cup dried red lentils , picked over (remove and discard any rocks, foreign objects and imperfect lentils), rinsed and drained
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or 1 tablespoon smoked paprika)
- 1 lime , juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese , shredded
- 2 stalks green onion , chopped
- 8 flour tortillas , about 7 inches in diameter
Serving Suggestions (optional)
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Hot sauce
Instructions
Cheesy Lentil Quesadillas
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add pepper, corn, chili powder, cumin, coriander, half of the salt and half of the pepper. Stir to combine and cook 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and place onto a plate for use later.
- To pan, add 1 ¾ cup of the broth, lentils, remaining salt and pepper and chipotle peppers (or smoked paprika). Cook on low simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes until lentils are cooked and liquid has absorbed. Let cool 5 minutes.
- Place lentils in a mixing bowl, along with remaining ¼ cup of broth and lime juice. Mash until combined and you've reached your desired texture. Mixture is thick, almost like 'refried beans'.
- Add reserved bell pepper mixture to the lentil mixture and stir to combine.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spread about two heaping tablespoons or so of the lentil mixture on one half of each tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons of cheese and distribute green onion amongst them. Fold over. Bake on a baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly brown and cheese melted. Note: For even crispier results, pan fry the quesadillas. Working in batches (and with a little oil or cooking spray per batch), add quesadillas to a non-stick pan over medium-low to medium heat. Cook for about 3 minutes or so per side until golden brown and crispy outside and the cheese is melted inside.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. Then cut each quesadilla in half (makes 16 pieces in total, but quantity you yield may vary, depending on the size of your tortillas). Serve with sour cream, Greek yogurt, salsa, guacamole or hot sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition (ESTIMATE ONLY)
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
I’m so behind on post commenting!! I freaking hate winter and it’s depressing mood, so hoping Mr. Groundhog is wrong.. Bring on sun and warm weather and shorts and fruity cocktails…and a plate of these lentil quesadillas that I can eat by the pool 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Agreed! Bring it!! Thanks girl! XO
Thao @ In Good Flavor
It never occurred to me to use lentils in quesadillas. This looks awesome, Dawn! With the lentils and cheese, I wouldn’t miss the meat at all!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Thao! You sure wouldn’t 😉
Sarah
Oh my gosh! I saw these on Instagram but didn’t realize you used RED lentils! My favorite! I absolutely love this! YUMMM
Girl Heart Food
Yes!1 Love them too! Thanks Sarah 🙂
Shashi at SavorySpin
Y’all had groundhog day already? I don’t think we have as yet – but then again…I feel like am living in a fog – a cold damp fog this winter! I feel it’s been colder this winter here in Georgia than in the last couple of years and I’m so ready for spring! If our groundhog predicts more winter, I might have to kidnap him and make him hibernate or something so his prediction doesn’t come true! 🙂 I’m so kidding!
By the way, Dawn, I so love lentils – usually I enjoy them in a curry – such a genius AND DELICIOUS idea to use them in these cheesy quesadillas! These look so amazing – they make me forget that it’s in the 40s outside! I know that’s probably a heat wave for you but am such a cold wimp 🙂
Hope your week has been wonderful so far – tomorrow is FRIYAY!!! xoxo
Girl Heart Food
Hahaha! Thanks for that little chuckle 😉 Thank you Shashi! Bring on Friday…or Friyay 😉 XOXO
Miriam
I love quesadillas but I just realized that I never made them at home. Completely agree with you on the lentils front, they are just amazing and perfect for meat-free days, they are so filling and wholesome and so delicious! I hope winter will not drag on for that much longer, I am so ready for spring – my favourite time of the year 🙂
Girl Heart Food
They are so easy to make and the lentils make ’em nice and filling 🙂 So ready for spring too! Have a wonderful weekend, Miriam!
Christina
Holy freaking moly this recipe looks amazing! I’m trying to incorporate more vegetarian meals in my weekly repertoire so I’m definitely pinning this recipe for later!
Fun fact – I grew up in the town (Woodstock, IL) where the movie Groundhogs Day was filmed. Almost every establishment on the square has a photo signed by Bill Murray. Their annual Groundhog Day festival successfully captures the essence of the film. It’s pretty darn adorable 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Christina!! That’s a pretty cool little factoid! So fun! Hope you enjoy these quesadillas 🙂
Kevin O'Leary
Lentils in quesadillas is a fantastic idea…definitely putting this on my menu for Meatless Monday!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Kevin! Hope you enjoy them as much as we do 🙂
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I think I need to eat more lentils! Adding them to a quesadilla is a great idea! These would be perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Girl Heart Food
Yes! Thank you Kathy! Hope you get a chance to try these out 🙂
Sheila
This has definitely brought cheese quesadillas unto a whole new level. It is so delicious with an amazing kick to it. My family loved it. We’re planning to make another batch this weekend. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Sheila! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Alia @ Everyday Easy Eats
Mmmm Dawn your Cheesy Lentil Quesadillas look so tasty!! I love that they are vegetarian! And lentils are so good for you, so I can definitely feel good about eating one of these! 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Alia! You sure can 😉
Jolina
Another delicious dish Dawn! We’re all about quick and healthy (ier) dishes lately and this fits the bill perfectly. In fact I think we have half a bag of lentils in our cupboard somewhere. Perfect! And yay to March. I don’t like February very much. It’s been so cold. But mostly because I cannot pronounce it lol. Have a fantastic week!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Jolina!! Haha – you’re too cute! Have a great week too 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
This is an awesome idea Dawn! I eat lentils regularly, and quesadillas are popular in our house, but I never thought to make lentil quesadillas. Brilliant! They look so cheesy and filling! Perfect quick meal for any night of the week!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Leanne! Hope you get a chance to try them out next time you have quesadillas 🙂
Marie
I saw the mixed groundhog day results too. I’m optimistic that warmer weather is coming soon! 🙂 What a creative way to use lentils! I’ve never thought to use it in quesadillas before! It looks so cheesy and delicious.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Marie! Bring on the warmer weather, am I right 😉 ??
Sandi
This is such a great idea for a healthy lunch.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Sandi 🙂 !
Lisa L Bynum
Perfect for a meatless Monday meal!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Lisa! It sure is 😉
Katherine | Love In My Oven
We really started getting into lentils a few years ago, and now I use them on a regular basis!! They’re so versatile, and SOO cheap! Such an easy way to get some good nutrients into my family! These look amazing Dawn – my kids love quesadillas and now I can make them a bit healthier!! Hope you had a great weekend! XO
Girl Heart Food
Happy to hear that, Katherine! Thank you so much! Have a lovely week! XO
Dannii
We love making cheesy lentil quesadillas. It’s a great budget way to eat more protein.
Girl Heart Food
It totally is. Plus, they are delicious 😉 Thanks Dannii!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
This is genius!!! I’m not usually a big quesadilla fan because all that cheese is just kinda meh, but I LOVE lentils so I’ll definitely try this! Great combo!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Liz!! Hope you love it 🙂
Nicole | What She Ate
This is such a creative use of lentils! I’ve been having quesadilla cravings lately, so I’ll have to add some lentils next time I make some. Thanks for the idea, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Nicole! Yes, you do! They really are yummy 🙂
Marissa
These look amazing, Dawn! Last week Keith made something similar and I was completely smitten! Now I have to try your version too – looks just perfect!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, Marissa!! You’re too kind 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
Love lentils and this is such a yummy way to change things up a bit.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Nicoletta! It sure is 😉
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
What a great use of lentils Dawn! Such a creative recipe. Tom and I both enjoy lentils, so I’ll need to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing! Pinned!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Mary Ann! Enjoy 🙂
Starr
I love lentils and am always looking for new recipes for them. I’ll definitely be giving this a try!
Girl Heart Food
Yay! Happy to hear that, Starr! Enjoy 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
We’re in the home stretch and spring will be here before we know it. whatever the cute little groundhogs say :). And I certainly can’t wait! I also can’t wait to try these quesadillas. Lentils are one of my very favorite foods. (Yeah, I’m kind of a weirdo because when I say favorite I mean GIMME ALL THE LENTILS.) Add some cheese and I’m a happy girl. It’s like you knew my dream dinner and posted this just for me! Have a great week, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
Haha – so true!! Love your optimism, Kelsie 🙂 I’m right there with ya – love lentils! And I would certainly share with ya! Have a great week too 🙂
Milena | Craft Beering
I love lentils of all kinds and prepared in any shape or form. Cannot say that I have had them in a cheese quesadilla yet:) Leave that to you:) Naturally, I will try your recipe asap! Pinned.
Girl Heart Food
Me too, Milena! Haha – hope you enjoy them as much as we do 😉 Thank you!
[email protected]
This is a keeper! I’m a huge fan of lentils and I love your take on them! Quesadilla is a delicious and creative way to enjoy them! Have a great week, my friend! XOXO
Girl Heart Food
It sure is 😉 Thank you Annie! Have a great week too! XOXO
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I don’t really believe in what the groundhog says, but it’s fun to think about (at least when we aren’t supposed to get 6 more weeks of winter!). I’m loving the sound of these quesadillas. I’ve never made mine with lentils before, so I need to try this. Sounds so good for an easy lunch or dinner! Pinned! Happy Monday!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Gayle! You really do 😉 Have a great week!
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is
Yum! I’m a huge fan of lentils and am always looking for more ways to cook them up – love the idea of doing quesadillas, these look delicious!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Michelle! I hope you love ’em 🙂
David @ Spiced
Overall winter hasn’t been too bad here, either. We had that nasty cold weather at the end of December, but January was pretty mellow. Of course, as I say this, they’re calling for something like 16″ of snow in the next 5 days here. Umph. I love a good quasadilla, but I don’t think I’ve ever used lentils before. That’s gotta change! These look delicious, Dawn…perfect for a snowy evening! 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Oh no about the snow!! Stay warm, David! Hope you give these lentil quesadillas a try! They’re delish 😉
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Love these delicious and easy quesadillas! And no, I don’t put any heed in the Groundhog thing. We are having 6 more weeks of Winter here whether he sees his shadow or not 😉
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Jennifer! Haha – I hear ya about winter 😉