Description
Mexican beef quesadillas blend savory ground beef with melted cheese between crispy tortillas. Spicy seasonings and quick preparation make this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salsa (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a skillet at medium heat until thoroughly cooked, eliminating any surplus grease.
- Enhance the meat with aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare a separate skillet with a thin layer of oil, bringing to medium-high temperature.
- Position one tortilla in the heated pan, creating a base layer for the quesadilla.
- Sprinkle a generous portion of cheese across the tortilla’s surface, ensuring even coverage.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the cheese layer.
- Add another layer of cheese atop the beef to create a rich, melty interior.
- Carefully place a second tortilla on top, gently pressing to secure the layers.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla turns golden and crisp, then carefully flip.
- Continue cooking the opposite side until achieving a uniform, crunchy exterior with melted cheese throughout.
- Remove from heat and slice into triangular wedges using a sharp knife.
- Serve immediately alongside classic accompaniments like fresh salsa, cool sour cream, and creamy guacamole.
Notes
- Trim beef fat carefully to reduce greasiness and enhance overall dish healthiness.
- Try lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that maintains delicious flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste and texture.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños for those who enjoy extra heat in their quesadillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg