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Butternut Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas

March 12, 2020 by Gina + Leave a Comment

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I’ve been shopping at Trader Joe’s since my collage days. And not to date myself, but it’s been a good 15 years since discovering this gem of a market during my days in San Francisco. It was perfect for being a college kid. Reasonably priced food, lots of unique already made items, and two buck Chuck. Don’t come at me for that one. I already said this was like 15 years ago. What’s a broke collage kid to do. Trader Joe’s was a goldmine. Well it still is.

As I got older, I started to steer away from packaged goods. I love fresh food and I love to cook from scratch. But then I continued to age, and with growing up comes new responsibilities and what seems like a lot less free time. I think tossing a new baby into the mix really limits the amount of free time. So here I am, with a new appreciation for some of their packaged goods. Plus if you are going to go the packaged route, Trader Joe’s definitely has some of the more healthy options.

Since becoming a mom, easy, simple recipes are of the utmost importance when I’m planning out our meals for the week. If I can toss a few already prepared items together and make it a healthy meal, I’m all for it. Some nights we can slow it down and cook all from scratch. But like I said, being able to toss some items together that are already made can be a real time saver.

This is a new feature for the blog, but once a week (which is the aim) I will share a recipe featuring a few Trader Joe’s goods and how to make a full meal from them. I’m using things I pick up from TJ’s but substitutes can be found at other stores as well I’m sure.

 

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Quesadilla

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 3 quesadillas

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package peeled, cut butternut squash from TJ's
  • 1 can black beans, drained from TJ's
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1 lime
  • 3 flour tortillas TJ's
  • shredded cheese as much or little as wanted per quesadilla, from TJ's
  • pico de gallo optional, from TJ's
  • guacamole optional, from TJ's

Instructions
 

  • Steam the bag of TJ's butternut squash. Mash with a fork when tender. Add cumin, chili powder, and a little salt and pepper
  • Pour the beans in bowl and stir in taco seasoning with a little pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the juice from 1 lime.
  • Take 1 flour tortilla. On half, spread a 1/3 of the butternut squash, 1/3 of the beans, and as much cheese as you want on top. Place in a heated, greased pan. Fold the plain half over. Cook for a few minutes then gently flip. Repeat for 2 more quesadillas
  • I like to top mine with some pico de gallo and avocado. Both pre made from Trader Joe's., but any other would work too.
Keyword black bean, butternut squash, cheese, quesadilla
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

These can easily be made vegan too, just scratch the cheese.

Looking for more simple recipes?

Here’s another (Trader Joe’s) five ingredient quesadilla, a VEGGIE QUESADILLA

An easy VEGGIE BOWL, one of my go-to recipes for a quick and healthy meal.

A GREEN VEGGIE PESTO PASTA.  All the greens, quick and easy.  Also super filling

You might also like:

Kung Pao Veggie Bowl Veggie Quesadilla with 5 Trader Joe’s Ingredients Default ThumbnailVegan Shakshuka Default ThumbnailBuffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Filed Under: Dinners, Recipes Tagged With: avocado, butternut quash, easy, guacamole, healthy, meatless, pico de gallo, quesadilla, trader joes, vegan, vegetarian

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gina_gibson_

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If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
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A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
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@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
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Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

gina_gibson_

🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfect 🎄 This Cranberry Bliss Loaf is a winter perfection! 

If you love the flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars, you HAVE to try this easy homemade version in loaf form. 🍞✨ It’s packed with dried cranberries, creamy white chocolate, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! 😍

Comment CRANBERRY for the recipe link
Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with coffee ☕️.

💌 SAVE this for your next holiday bake, SHARE it with your favorite foodie friend, and COMMENT “cranberry” for the recipe sent to your DMs!
Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EA Stop and SAVE—this might be your NEW favorite EASY dinner! 🤩 Bold, cheesy flavors of taco night… combined with pasta… and it’s all made in ONE pot. Yep, it’s as good as it sounds! 🌮🧀🍝

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something easy AND delicious.

Want the recipe? Comment “TACO” below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! 🙌 Save this post for later, and tag a friend who NEEDS this in their life!
Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐 🌞 Lookin Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring 🍳🥐

🌞 Looking for a delicious breakfast idea that’s easy, cheesy, and packed with protein? This Breakfast Crescent Roll Ring has it all! 🧀🥓🍳 Don’t forget to save and share this post. 

A great breakfast for weekends, meal prep, or the holidays. This will be part of our Christmas morning spread! 🎄

✨ Ingredients:
	•	2 cans crescent roll dough
	•	1 ½ cups shredded cheese
	•	½ lb mild Italian sausage, cooked
	•	8 scrambled eggs mixed (with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, optional. Adds protein and makes them creamy
	•	1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Arrange crescent rolls in a ring on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ cook the eggs and add cottage cheese if you want. Fill with 3/4 of the cheese, cooked sausage, scrambled eggs, and the rest of the cheese.
3️⃣ Fold over the crescent dough to seal the ring.
4️⃣ Brush with melted butter and bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa! 🌶️😋
🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 🎄🎄Perfect for t 🥂 HOLIDAY APEROL SPRITZ 

🎄🎄Perfect for the holidays and parties 🎄🎄

SAVE for your next gathering and send to a friend you’d like to cheers 🥂 with 🥂

2 oz Aperol 1 oz orange juice in the ornament
Pour into glass and add 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz club soda
.
@aperolusa @aperolspritzofficial
Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sau Puff pastry stuffed with melty brie, cranberry sauce and nuts. A simple but crowd pleasing appetizer that will be part of our Thanksgiving spread 

Here’s all you need:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce 
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions:
1️⃣ Place Brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, and wrap it up!  Make sure to not overlap too much of the pastry won’t cook. Cut or tear off any excess. You can bake it on the side to eat with the cheese. 
2️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool, slice, and serve with crackers or bread. 🙌

Save this post for your next holiday gathering, and share it with a friend who needs this on their party menu! 💫
Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole Busy nights Easiest Healthy Enchilada Casserole 

Busy nights call for simple, healthy meals, and this low-carb enchilada casserole is a total WIN! 🥳 Packed with lean ground beef, spinach, beans, and melty cheese, it’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family. 🙌

🌟 Why you’ll love it:
•	Protein-packed and filling 💪
•	Loaded with veggies (hello, spinach!) 🥬
•	Low-carb tortillas for a lighter twist 🌯
•	Easy to prep and perfect for leftovers 🍴

What you’ll need 
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chopped spinach
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (love @eatsomos )
8 low-carb tortillas, quartered (@missionfoodsus )
2 cups shredded cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 spoonfuls Greek yogurt (optional for creamier filling)
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños

Instructions: 
1.Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef, and season with salt and pepper.
2.	Add diced onion, chopped spinach, drained black beans, a little greek yogurt, and a handful of shredded cheese. The yogurt and cheese are optional but make the filling nice and creamy.  Cook until softened.
3.	Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce and remove from heat.
4.	In a greased 9x13 pan, layer tortillas, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese.
5.	Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes (covered for 20, uncovered for 10).
6.	Top with your favorites: Greek yogurt, guacamole, and salsa. Slice and enjoy!

This recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights, and the toppings make it SO fun to customize! Try Greek yogurt, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. 🌶️

💬 Do you love easy casseroles? Let me know your favorite toppings below!
📌 Don’t forget to SAVE this post for your next family dinner and SHARE it with a friend who loves healthy eats!

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