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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking and removing any excess fat.
- 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.
- Position a tortilla on a clean surface, evenly distributing shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.
- Layer the seasoned ground beef mixture directly over the cheese, maintaining an even distribution.
- Generously sprinkle additional cheese over the beef to ensure complete coverage.
- Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape that encases the filling.
- Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly coating the surface with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the quesadilla in the heated pan, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes until the bottom turns golden and crisp.
- Gently flip the quesadilla, cooking the opposite side until achieving a similar golden-brown color and ensuring the cheese melts completely.
- Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling.
- 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