Shrimp and caramelized onion quesadillas with refried beans are cheesy, and packed with flavor—an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

This is an image of shrimp and caramelized onion quesadillas with refried beans sitting on a tray. There is crema on the side and it's garnished with cilantro.
Screenshot
This is an image of shrimp and caramelized onion quesadillas with refried beans sitting on a tray. There is crema on the side and it's garnished with cilantro.

Shrimp and Caramelized Onion Quesadillas with Refried Beans

Taylor Jackzen
I love a dinner that feels a little elevated but still works on a busy night, and these shrimp and caramelized onion quesadillas with refried beans are exactly that. The sweet, jammy onions paired with juicy shrimp and melty cheese make every bite so satisfying—and they come together easier than you’d think.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 medium onions thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup refried beans homemade or canned
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups Chihuahua cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh crema for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes, until they become soft, deeply golden, and caramelized.
  • Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Transfer the onions and garlic to a plate and set aside.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
  • In the same skillet, wipe it clean if necessary, and place one tortilla.
  • Spread a layer of refried beans evenly on one half of the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle a portion of shredded cheese over the beans.
  • Arrange some of the cooked shrimp and caramelized onions over the cheese.
  • Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
  • Cook the quesadilla over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
  • Slice the shrimp quesadillas into wedges and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the quesadillas.