• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Purely Kaylie

  • About
    • About Kaylie
    • Press
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Mains
    • Sweets
    • Snacks
    • Dip, Dressing, & Spreads
    • Smoothies
    • Gluten-Free
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Mains » Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas

    Published: May 2, 2021 by Kaylie Grace · 30 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the affiliate disclosure here. 

    Jump to Recipe

    Sweet potato black bean quesadillas are a delicious Mexican-inspired vegan dinner recipe! Crispy tortillas are filled with a creamy sweet potato cheese + spicy black bean and corn mixture. They are filling, satisfying, comforting, and flavor-packed. Serve them alongside guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo to complete the meal!

    sweet potato black bean quesadillas on a white plate surrounded by bowls of guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and cilantro

    With Cinco de Mayo approaching, now is the perfect time to re-share one of my absolute favorite dinner recipes: sweet potato black bean quesadillas. These vegan quesadillas are, dare I say it, even better than the traditional cheese quesadillas we all know and love.

    This vegan dinner recipe is guaranteed to please the whole family. They are filling, satisfying, flavor-packed, and healthy, while providing that classic “comfort food” feeling. Meat eaters have raved about this meatless dinner, and you know that’s always a win in my book!

    It all begins with a super creamy, surprisingly “cheesy” sweet potato puree spread across a large tortilla. Then, a spicy black bean, corn, and onion mixture is sprinkled on top. The tortilla is folded in half, cooked until crispy golden-brown, and sliced into triangles. Yum, yum, yum!

    Don’t forget the dips, too. I recommend serving these quesadillas alongside guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa for the ultimate Mexican-inspired meal.

    These sweet potato black bean quesadillas are:

    • Vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free
    • Easily gluten-free with GF tortillas
    • Spicy, smoky, savory, yet subtly sweet
    • Surprisingly easy to make // uses pantry staples
    • Made without cheese and without meat
    • Vegetarian approved and meat-eater approved
    • A crowd-pleasing vegan meal for the whole family!
    vegan sweet potato black bean quesadillas on a white plate

    What ingredients are in sweet potato quesadillas?

    • Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes are the star of the show. Combined with a few other ingredients, they create a super creamy filling that replaces cheese. Sweet potatoes are also rich in key nutrients, like vitamins A, C, E, and potassium.
    • Black beans: Black beans are packed with plant-based protein, making them a great replacement for meat. They also contain fiber, iron, and folate.
    • Corn: Corn is cooked with the black beans for added texture and a subtle sweet flavor.
    • Cashews: The creamy consistency of the sweet potato spread can be attributed to cashews. Be sure to use raw cashews and soak them in hot water.
    • Nutritional yeast: The “cheesy” flavor comes from nutritional yeast. Additionally, it’s packed with B vitamins and contains protein.
    • Tortillas: Feel free to use your favorite tortillas. The larger the size, the better! If you follow a gluten-free diet, be sure to use gluten-free tortillas. I love and recommend the Siete brand.
    • Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a hint of sour flavor to the sweet potato cheese spread, making it taste more realistic.
    • Spices: In particular, we will use a blend of chili powder, chipotle powder, cumin, smoke paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    cubed potatoes, beans, cashews, corn, lemon juice, garlic, spices, and diced onion in white bowls

    How to make sweet potato black bean quesadillas

    For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.

    Soak the cashews

    In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add raw cashews to a bowl. Pour the boiling water over the cashews. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain the water.

    Boil the sweet potatoes

    While the cashews are soaking, cook the sweet potatoes.

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork tender. After, drain the water.

    Make the sweet potato cheese sauce

    Add all sweet potato cheese ingredients to a blender. This includes the cooked sweet potatoes, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, non-dairy milk, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

    Blend the ingredients until a thick, creamy, orange puree is formed. If needed, you can add extra non-dairy milk to thin the consistency.

    step by step photo collage soaking raw cashews and blending them in a vitamix blender
    step by step photo collage making vegan sweet potato quesadillas

    Cook spicy black beans and corn

    Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and diced onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until onion is fragrant and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

    Add black beans, corn, chili powder, chipotle powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until fragrant and warm.

    Assemble the vegan quesadillas

    Time for the fun part! Place a large tortilla on a plate, cutting board, or any flat surface.

    Spread the sweet potato cheese across half of the tortilla. Add several spoonfuls of the black bean/corn mixture on top. Fold the tortilla in half, forming a quesadilla.

    a hand spreading sweet potato cheese on a tortilla, surrounded by bowls of ingredients
    a hand spooning black beans and corn on the cheese layer for a vegan quesadilla

    Warm a lightly-greased skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the quesadilla to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gently flip to cook the other side.

    The quesadilla should be crispy and golden-brown on both sides. After, remove from heat and slice into triangles. Serve and enjoy!

    a folded tortilla stuffed with black beans, corn, and sweet potato on a white plate
    a grilled quesadilla on a white plate surrounded by bowls of ingredients, including guacamole and pico de gallo

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is used to make the vegan cheese?

    These sweet potato black bean quesadillas are vegan and dairy-free, so they are made without cheese. However, quesadillas are not complete without some sort of “cheesy” flavor, right?

    To replace dairy cheese, we are using a homemade sweet potato cheese spread. It’s super creamy and has a slightly tangy/sour flavor. The ingredients include sweet potatoes, cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Nutritional yeast and lemon juice are important here. Don’t skip them.

    What tortillas are used for quesadillas?

    Flour tortillas work best for quesadillas. They are pliable, large in size, and strong enough to hold the ingredients together. You can either use white flour or whole wheat flour tortillas.

    If you are following a gluten-free diet, be sure to use gluten-free flour tortillas. I do not recommend brown rice or corn tortillas; they are not pliable and sturdy enough. Oftentimes, they easily break and fall apart. From my experience, the Siete brand makes the best gluten-free tortillas. You can find options made from cassava flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour.

    sweet potato black bean quesadillas on a white plate surrounded by bowls of guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and cilantro

    How do you flip a quesadilla?

    First, make sure you are preparing the quesadilla properly. There are two ways to prepare it:

    • Option 1: Spread the filling across the whole tortilla. Place an additional tortilla on top.
    • Option 2: Spread the filling across half the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.

    In my opinion, option 2 is the superior choice. It is far easier to flip a half quesadilla than an entire quesadilla all at once.

    1. Warm a skillet over medium temperature. Lightly grease it with oil or non-stick spray.
    2. Carefully lift the quesadilla with a large turner spatula. Place it on the skillet.
    3. Cook the quesadilla for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Using the large turner spatula, gently lift the quesadilla off of the skillet. Swiftly flip to cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
    4. Gently remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Slice into triangles and enjoy.

    How do you keep quesadillas crispy?

    To create crispy quesadillas, they need to be cooked on a hot skillet with a dash of oil. At the very least, spray the skillet with nonstick spray. Allow the quesadilla to cook until golden brown before flipping to cook the other side. They will be hot, crispy, and cooked to perfection if you follow these instructions.

    vegan sweet potato and black bean quesadillas on a white plate beside a bowl of guacamole and pico de gallo

    How to serve them

    These sweet potato black bean quesadillas are quite filling and satisfying all on their own. However, there are various ways to spruce up the dish. Add toppings, serve ’em alongside your favorite dips and sauces, or enjoy with a side dish.

    Toppings: Garnish with fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeño, pico de gallo, a drizzle of cashew cream, or dairy-free sour cream.

    Dips: I love dipping these crispy triangular pockets in guacamole. Nothing beats this combo, in my opinion. Choose from the following popular dips:

    • The BEST Guacamole
    • Liquid Salsa
    • Vegan Chipotle Aioli
    • Avocado Cilantro Dressing
    • Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca)
    • Hot Sauce

    Sides: Pair these sweet potato quesadillas with cilantro lime rice, refried beans, a fresh side salad, a bowl of soup, or corn tortilla chips.

    vegan quesadillas with sweet potatoes and black beans on a white plate

    More healthy vegan recipes with sweet potatoes

    • Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
    • Sweet Potato Black Bean Taquitos
    • Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
    • Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup
    • Sweet Potato, Kale, and Chickpea Curry

    If you try these Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    sweet potato black bean quesadillas on a white plate surrounded by bowls of guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, and cilantro

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas

    ★★★★★ 5 from 7 reviews
    • Author: purelykaylie
    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: 6 quesadillas 1x
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Cook
    • Cuisine: Mexican
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Sweet potato black bean quesadillas are a delicious Mexican-inspired vegan dinner recipe! Crispy tortillas are filled with a creamy sweet potato cheese + spicy black bean and corn mixture. They are filling, satisfying, comforting, and flavor-packed. Serve these vegan quesadillas with guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Sweet Potato Cheese

    • 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed (~3 heaping cups)
    • ½ cup raw cashews
    • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 tbsp non-dairy milk
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper

    Quesadillas

    • 6 flour tortillas*
    • 1 tbsp oil
    • 1 small yellow or white onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 can corn kernels, drained and rinsed
    • ½ tsp chili powder
    • ½ tsp chipotle powder
    • ½ tsp ground cumin
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper

    For Serving

    • Guacamole
    • Salsa
    • Pico de Gallo

    Instructions

    1. Soak cashews: In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add cashews to a bowl. Pour boiling water over the cashews and soak for 20 minutes. After, drain the water.
    2. Cook sweet potatoes: While the cashews are soaking, cook the sweet potatoes. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork tender. After, drain the water.
    3. Create sweet potato cheese: Add soaked cashews, cooked sweet potatoes, nutritional yeast, non-dairy milk, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
    4. Cook black beans and corn: Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add oil and diced onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are fragrant and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add black beans, corn, chili powder, chipotle powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until warm and fragrant.
    5. Assemble quesadillas: Spread the sweet potato cheese across half a tortilla. Add several spoonfuls of the black bean/corn mixture on top. Fold the tortilla in half.
    6. Cook quesadillas: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully transfer the quesadilla onto the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side. Remove from the skillet and slice into triangles. Repeat until all tortillas are used.
    7. Serve: Serve quesadillas with guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo.

    Notes

    • *Flour tortillas are best for this recipe. Use whole wheat, white, or gluten-free flour tortillas. I do not recommend brown rice or corn tortillas; they are not pliable or sturdy enough. Oftentimes, flourless tortillas break apart.
    • This post was updated with new photos on May 2nd, 2021. The recipe remained the same.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
    • Calories: 384
    • Sugar: 6g
    • Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Carbohydrates: 58g
    • Fiber: 13g
    • Protein: 16g

    Keywords: sweet potato black bean quesadillas, vegan sweet potato quesadillas

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @purelykaylie on Instagram and hashtag it #purelykaylie

    This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!

    More Healthy vegan dinner and main dish recipes

    • a bowl of vegan garlic and chive mashed potatoes
      Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    • vegan jackfruit nuggets on a white plate with a bite taken out of one of the nuggets
      Jackfruit Nuggets
    • vegan slow cooker lentil curry with rice inside a bowl
      Slow Cooker Lentil Curry with Rice
    • two bowls of creamy vegan lemon pasta with coconut milk
      Creamy Vegan Lemon Pasta

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Tracey

      October 25, 2022 at 6:26 am

      This is my daughter and my absolute favourite recipe! Thank you so much for sharing. It is simply delicious and fun to make.

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        October 25, 2022 at 10:06 am

        How sweet! Thank you for sharing, Tracey! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    2. Anissa

      August 07, 2021 at 9:03 am

      This Sweet Potato Cheese is a game changer! I just put it on steamed veggies and it was delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        August 07, 2021 at 8:01 pm

        Hey, Anissa! I am so glad you enjoyed the sweet potato cheese. I add it to veggies too! Thanks for sharing! xo

        Reply
    3. Ana Lara

      June 06, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      I have made this recipe several times and it has been one of our all time favorites! Thank you so much for this. The only change I made is mashing the potatoes by hand instead of blending to accommodate my small and weak blender. When I combine it in a large bowl with the other aspects of the “cheese” blend it works great.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 06, 2021 at 9:42 pm

        So happy to hear that you are loving this recipe, Ana! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Laura

      February 09, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      Made these tonight- I can’t tell you how much we loved them! Absolutely delicious!!! A definite make again recipe!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        February 09, 2021 at 8:09 pm

        Woohoo!! Thank you, Laura! Love to hear this 🙂

        Reply
    5. Tara

      February 09, 2021 at 8:37 am

      Just made this and it was delicious! Thank you for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        February 09, 2021 at 1:42 pm

        Thank you, Tara! So glad you enjoyed these quesadillas 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kylie

      January 31, 2021 at 12:11 pm

      Can I use almonds instead of cashews?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        January 31, 2021 at 2:21 pm

        No, I would not recommend it. The only substitution that would work is macadamia nuts!

        Reply
    7. Maryann Korsen

      January 04, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      We had these tonight and we both loved them. Although 6 is quite a lot for two people, I cooked 3 and saved the other 3 in a container with wax paper between them. I’m going to make them in 2 days. I think it will be ok. Worth the effort, but it wasn’t all that difficult 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        January 04, 2021 at 7:54 pm

        Thank you, Maryann!! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed these quesadillas. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Meg

      November 20, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      I was wondering if the ‘cheesy’ filling is freezable? Super tasty recipe… even my meat eating husband enjoyed it!

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        November 20, 2020 at 3:23 pm

        Hi, Meg! I’m so happy you both enjoyed it 🙂 I have not tried freezing the ‘cheesy’ filling, but I have prepared it ahead of time and left it in the refrigerator before. Make sure it’s in an airtight container (like a mason jar) and it will keep for up to 3 days. I’m sure the freezer would work, too! I just haven’t tried it yet myself.

        Reply
    9. Diane

      November 02, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      This was even better than I was expecting. So good!! This is going into the regular rotation.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        November 02, 2020 at 6:39 pm

        I’m so happy you loved these quesadillas, Diane!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

        Reply
    10. Nathan Martinez

      September 24, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      Is it possible to make the cheesy mix the night before? Does it keep well?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 24, 2020 at 7:41 pm

        Hi, Nathan! Yes, you could prep it the night before. You’ll want to warm it up before spreading it onto the tortillas though. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, you can add some water to thin it. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Dhruvi

      September 24, 2020 at 8:46 am

      I really loved this recipe.The spicy beans balance perfectly with the creamy sweet potato filling and with the fresh pico de galle, it really makes for a treat.The fact that it’s healthy is the perfect added bonus.This is going in my favourites for sure.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 24, 2020 at 9:32 am

        Thank you, Dhruvi! I’m so happy to hear you love these quesadillas 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
    12. Rachel

      September 16, 2020 at 6:51 am

      Can I use a food processor to instead of a blender?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 16, 2020 at 8:55 am

        Absolutely! Enjoy, Rachel! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Ant

      September 06, 2020 at 7:57 am

      Any tips on making this nut free? Not sure if there’s a substitute for the cashews?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        September 09, 2020 at 10:22 am

        Hey, Ant! If possible, I highly recommend keeping the cashews. They help create that rich and creamy consistency. If needed, you could try replacing them with soaked sunflower seeds. I haven’t tried this myself, but I know it’s a popular nut-free swap for cashews. 🙂 Another option is to replace them with 1/4 cup coconut cream.

        Reply
    14. Dawn

      July 07, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      What if you don’t have the yeast? Is there a sub or can I omit it?

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        July 07, 2020 at 9:35 pm

        Hi, Dawn! Nutritional yeast is really important for achieving a “cheesy” flavor, that’s why it’s used in a lot of vegan/dairy-free recipes (to replace real cheese flavor). Unfortunately, there isn’t a great nutritional yeast substitution. It has a unique flavor. You can omit it, but the recipe won’t taste as “cheesy” 🙂

        Reply
    15. Laura

      June 01, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      Loved the recipe, super easy to make, healthy and delicious!!! Thank you

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Kaylie Grace

        June 01, 2020 at 7:24 pm

        Thank you, Laura!! I am so happy you loved these vegan quesadillas 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello, I’m Kaylie!

    Welcome to the Purely Kaylie kitchen! I share plant-based recipes with simple, healthy ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or not, take a look around. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy! About Kaylie →

    Let’s Be Friends!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Popular Recipes

    a pile of vegan chocolate chip cookies

    Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

    vegan sugar cookies on white parchment paper with a bite taken out of the center cookie

    Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!)

    a white bowl filled with chocolate oatmeal and topped with banana, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and cacao nibs

    Chocolate Oatmeal

    an overhead photo of an oatmeal smoothie with peanut butter

    Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie

    a stack of homemade vegan chocolate protein bars

    No Bake Chocolate Protein Bars

    a jar of vegan basic overnight oats with chia seeds, yogurt, and almond milk

    Basic Overnight Oats

    Dessert Recipes

    a stack of three white chocolate matcha fudge squares

    Matcha Fudge

    a stack of vegan chocolate protein cookies on a wire baking rack

    Chocolate Protein Cookies

    three vegan red velvet cupcakes on a round marble board

    Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

    a bowl of Christmas sugar cookie truffles with a bite taken out of one

    Sugar Cookie Truffles

    scoops of vegan edible sugar cookie dough stacked in a white bowl

    Edible Sugar Cookie Dough (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

    a stack of two vegan pecan pie bars with shortbread crust and sticky pecan topping

    Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

    Breakfast Recipes

    peaches and cream overnight oats in a jar with yogurt and chia seeds

    Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats

    a jar of birthday cake overnight oats with sprinkles and whipped cream

    Birthday Cake Overnight Oats

    carrot cake overnight oats in a jar with yogurt and chia seeds

    Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

    strawberries and cream overnight oats in a jar with yogurt

    Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

    homemade chocolate coconut granola in a ceramic bowl with almond milk and a spoon

    Chocolate Coconut Granola

    an almond butter oatmeal bowl with granola and almonds on top

    Almond Butter Oatmeal

    Copyright© 2023 · purelykaylie.com · Privacy Policy · Terms · Disclaimer