Quick & Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Crafting delectable cheesy ground beef quesadillas always sparks excitement in my kitchen.

Melted cheese and seasoned meat create an irresistible combination that satisfies deep cravings.

Crispy tortillas folded around savory fillings promise a quick and delightful meal.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making this dish perfect for busy evenings.

My family cannot resist the golden, crunchy exterior and gooey interior of these quesadillas.

Mexican-inspired comfort food reaches new heights with this straightforward recipe.

Hungry?

You’ll want to dive right into making these mouthwatering quesadillas that guarantee smiles around the dinner table.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas’ Flavor Profile

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Sliders are perfect for gatherings, offering bite-sized deliciousness that keeps everyone munching and socializing without complicated serving.
• Minimal Prep Magic: With just a few simple steps, these cheeseburger sliders transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that looks and tastes impressive.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adding favorite toppings like pickles, bacon, or special sauces to make these sliders uniquely yours.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a single baking dish means less cleanup and more time enjoying delicious food with family and friends.

Essential Ingredients For Ground Beef Quesadillas

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty base that provides rich flavor and satisfying texture to the quesadillas.

• Tortillas: Soft, flexible wheat flour wraps that serve as the crispy, golden exterior of the quesadilla.

• Cheese: Melty and creamy ingredient that adds delicious richness and helps bind the quesadilla together.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create depth of flavor and aromatic base for the ground beef.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Warm and robust spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the meat filling.

• Oil, Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the quesadillas and prevents sticking to the cooking surface.

Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Step-By-Step

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain away any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Spice Up the Filling

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Grab a tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spread shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese. Top with another layer of cheese for extra gooeyness.

Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Crisp and Golden

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Lightly grease the surface with oil or butter. Carefully place the quesadilla in the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla turns golden brown and becomes crispy. The cheese should melt completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling. Slice each quesadilla into wedges.

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Cooking Secrets For Perfect Ground Beef Quesadillas

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep quesadillas less oily.
• Let ground beef rest after cooking to enhance flavor and help drain extra fat completely.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for more intense flavor profiles.
• Use fresh tortillas and press them gently while cooking to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition and spicy kick.

Creative Twists On Ground Beef Quesadillas

• Spicy Southwest Quesadillas: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick. Mix in some diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Mediterranean Fusion Quesadillas: Replace ground beef with seasoned lamb. Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and diced olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Version: Swap ground beef with black beans and roasted corn. Add extra cumin and smoked paprika for depth. Mix in diced green chilies for brightness.
• Breakfast Quesadilla Remix: Use scrambled eggs instead of ground beef. Include crispy bacon bits and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for morning excitement.

Pairing Ideas For Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

• Mexican Movie Night Spread: Arrange quesadilla wedges on a rustic wooden board with colorful salsa, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream. Scatter fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant pop of green.
• Zesty Dipping Station: Create small bowls of homemade pico de gallo, smooth avocado crema, and smoky chipotle sauce. Mix textures and temperatures to elevate each crispy quesadilla bite.

How To Keep Ground Beef Quesadillas Fresh

• Keep leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from sticking together.
• Place cooled quesadillas in freezer-safe bags or containers. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Are quesadillas hard to make?

Not at all! These quesadillas are super easy and quick, taking just about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Anyone can make them, even beginners.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the quesadilla.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Shredded cheddar or monterey jack are perfect choices. They melt beautifully and provide great flavor. You can also use a blend of cheeses for more complexity.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican ground beef quesadillas promise a zesty flavor explosion that marries melted cheese with seasoned meat. Crispy tortillas and savory filling make you crave another bite of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking and removing any excess fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, allowing spices to bloom for 2-3 minutes.
3. Position a tortilla on a clean surface, evenly distributing shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.
4. Layer the seasoned ground beef mixture directly over the cheese, maintaining an even distribution.
5. Generously sprinkle additional cheese over the beef to ensure complete coverage.
6. Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape that encases the filling.
7. Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly coating the surface with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
8. Carefully place the quesadilla in the heated pan, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crisp.
9. Gently flip the quesadilla, cooking the opposite side until achieving a similar golden-brown color and ensuring the cheese melts completely.
10. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling.
11. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with preferred garnishes like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy texture.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican cheese mix for extra flavor complexity.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder or adding hot sauce for those who enjoy more heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg