Happy #SundaySupper! It’s that time of year again for most of you – back to school. Nicole of The Daily Dish Recipes suggested we do back-to-school recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less. However, I like to call them “Quick and Easy Dinners That I Can Make After Work Because I’m Tired.” No matter who you are, whether you’re a busy parent running your kids out the door or childless working a full-time job, chances are you need quick and easy meals. Meals that can be made with little effort and in little time. Let’s face it – after a busy day of taking care of the kids or working long hours at the office, the last thing you want to do is make dinner. Maybe you only have 30 minutes until you have to be at dance practice or a baseball game. Maybe you were on your feet all day at work and just want to veg on the couch all evening. I’m not a parent, but I do work full-time during the week. Think I want to spend my first hour at home making dinner? And I know most of you probably are parents, so we both win with these Summer Squash and Mushroom Quesadillas. Vegetarian quesadillas made on the stove top and stuffed with sauteed yellow squash, sliced mushrooms, onions, and cilantro. Oh and of course you can’t forget the cheese.
I always feel like the odd child when it comes to food blogs. It seems like everyone is either married and/or has kids. Then there’s me. I cook for myself unless my parents and brother are visiting for the weekend. These Summer Squash and Mushroom Quesadillas is one of my genius ideas for dinner after work. It started when everyone kept posting quesadilla recipes a few weeks ago. I really, really wanted quesadillas but most of the time, I don’t plan dinner until I get home and my meat is still frozen. Instead of messing with defrosting the chicken then having to cook it (thus pushing back dinner time), I decided to skip the meat. What can I use instead? I had summer squash in my drawer, and next thing I knew, I made quesadillas. I’ve done this with zucchini too, so you can mix the two varieties or just stick with one.
The hardest about sharing this recipe is actually writing down the ingredient amounts. I tried my best to measure so you would have somewhat of a guide, but I just add enough of everything until it looks good. That’s the beauty of cooking. Use up what you have and adjust to your palette. Maybe you have a few bell peppers sitting in your drawer. Cut them into strips and add to the filling. The point of the recipe is to not worry about the rules. Baking has rules. Cooking is more forgiving. Plus you don’t always need meat for dinner (although I am tempted to add bacon…).
I know most people usually serve quesadillas with a sauce or sour cream, but I was content eating these without anything. Personally, the filling is flavorful enough, but then again I love the taste of cooked vegetables without adding much to them. If you want, you can serve them with salsa, guacamole, or even ranch dressing.
Summer Squash and Mushroom Quesadillas
Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, sliced into strips
- 3-4 cups yellow squash and/or zucchini, sliced into coins
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Four 10-inch tortillas or eight 6-inch tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. When hot, add onion, squash, mushrooms, and cilantro. Stir and cook for a minute or two until everything is coated in some oil. Cover with a lid and cook 5 minutes or until squash is soft.
- In another large skillet, warm one tortilla directly on the dry surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese on top (if using large tortillas, sprinkle only on one half so you can fold it later) then add some of the squash filling. If using small tortillas, place another tortilla on top. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom is brown. If using a large tortilla, fold it in half and flip. If using small tortillas, carefully flip. Cook another few minutes until that side is brown. Remove from heat. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Alex says
Sometimes I do something “like” this but with crèpes, which you tend to get sick of after a while, because you become so full. Will tortillas it does sound a lot tastier: the crunchy of it mixing with the softness of the vegetables – or even fruits, I mean. Loved it! Thanks for the suggestion.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
Carla, you´re not alone, I cook for one most days too! Quesadillas are fast and can be made with anything that you have fresh or cooked. Love the combination you came up with! Happy sunday!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
You know me…I’ll eat these in a heartbeat! YUM!!!
diabeticFoodie says
Great idea for summer squash – thanks!
Angie @ Bigbearswife says
I love these! I just recently started making quesadillas and I love them! I love the idea for calling these recipes”Quick and Easy Dinners That I Can Make After Work Because I’m Tired” because that’s so what they are for me. I sometimes forget to toke meat out of the freezer too. Normally that’s when I throw frozen chicken into a pot of boiling water the second I get home and while I’ve getting everything else ready for dinner and starting a load of laundry, it’s cooking :)
Chelsea says
These look delicious! I love the use of fresh veggies!
Miriam @ overtimecook says
Hey, I’m in the same boat as you…cooking for my self or coworkers mostly. :) I make a similar version of this, mostly with whichever veggies I’m trying to use up.
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
These sound delicious Carla! Glad you finally posted the recipe. I really enjoy eating meals loaded with fresh veggies. These will make a great lunch for me.
Melanie says
I think it looks great, but I’m going to have to try this one when the family is gone– I push my luck with mushrooms, but adding squash will push them over the edge! :-) I’m going to count down the days until I get a day to myself, and then this one is getting made. YUM!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
I would consider these to be one of the most perfect quesadillas ever! I love summer squash and mushrooms, but never once thought to put them in a quesadilla…such a great idea!
Conni says
Mmmmm.. quesadillas! Another “can’t go wrong” recipe!!
Laura @ Family Spice says
Ooooh! This sounds amazing. I adore squash and mushrooms, but I don’t think I’ve cooked them together?! GASP!
Heather @girlichef says
Mmmm…I love everything in this quesadilla (but no skipping the cheese for me)! None of my kids are particularly fond of mushrooms, so I will make these as an easy option for myself when they are AT school ;) YUMMMY.
Amy Kim says
Quesadilllas are the miracle meal. Leftovers or whatever you have always feels like a real dinner once you make it into a quesadilla! I have never once thought about putting veggies in there. Don’t ask me why, but thank you!
Sarah says
I completely agree with you Carla! After a long day at the office and getting some cardio in at the gym the last thing I was to think about is a long and precise recipe. The quasadilla sounds healthy and super easy to make!
sunithi says
These look so tempting and healthy ! Would be great for meatless days which am trying to incorporate into my family’s lifestyle once or twice / week. They are all meat eaters :)
Family Foodie says
We love Quesadillas and can’t wait to try your Summer Squash Recipe! Thank you for sharing during #SundaySupper!
Tara Noland says
Great looking quesadilla!! Love it!!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Yummy quesadillas! I love that they’re vegetarian too – I really need to incorporate more meatless meals into my diet. I’m the same as you – I never measure when I’m cooking. That’s the beauty of it, to cook and add to whatever your taste buds desire.
Laura Hunter says
What a clever idea to do with summer squash. I just happen to have some in my garden that I am going to harvest today so I will have to put this on my weekly menu plan. Thanks for sharing.
Eliana says
Nothing beats a quick and easy dish for those days you just don’t have the energy to do anything too involved.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I think these sound great…with or without the bacon. :) Brian travels a lot for work so it’s frequently just me and the doggie during the week and I also look for easy, quick and light options and they’re often meat-free.
Cindys Recipes says
Carla, I like the idea that you left the sauce option up for grabs. So many good choices with squash and shrooms!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
I am seeing quesadillas as a theme! I love zucchini and mushrooms, what a great combination!