Wash and dry produce. • Core, deseed, and dice green pepper. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Dice tomato. Zest and quarter lime (for 4 servings, zest one lime and quarter both).
In a medium pot, combine beans and their liquid, Southwest Spice Blend, 1 TBSP butter, salt (we used ¼ tsp; ½ tsp for 4 servings), and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce heat to medium. • Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, then mash beans with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth. Continue simmering until mixture has thickened, 3-5 minutes more. • Turn off heat; cover to keep warm.
OR, use refried black beans and season to taste
Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add green pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5-7 minutes. • Stir in scallion whites and cook until softened, 1 minute more. • Turn off heat; transfer to a medium bowl. Wipe out pan. Open package of chicken* and drain off any excess liquid. Heat a drizzle of oil in pan used for green pepper over medium-high heat. Add chicken or beef*; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Turn off heat; stir into bowl with green pepper. Wipe out pan.
While veggies cook, in a small bowl, combine tomato, scallion greens, lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper. • In a separate small bowl, combine guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread one half of each tortilla with a layer of mashed beans. (TIP: You may have some beans left over. Serve remaining on the side if you like.) Top with green pepper mixture, Mexican cheese blend, and Monterey Jack. • Fold tortillas in half to create quesadillas.
Heat a large drizzle of oil in pan used for veggies over medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, add quesadillas and cook until tortillas are golden brown and cheeses melt, 3-4 minutes per side. • Slice quesadillas into wedges; divide between plates. Top with creamy guacamole and salsa fresca. Serve with remaining lime wedges on the side. Beef is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 145°.