Description
Mouthwatering cheesy ground beef quesadillas deliver Mexican street-style comfort with crispy tortillas and savory filling. Melted cheese and seasoned beef create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until aromatic and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any accumulated fat from the meat, then sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Allow meat mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare a clean skillet or griddle, heating it to medium temperature and lightly coating with olive oil.
- Position a tortilla on the heated surface, spreading shredded cheese blend on one half of the tortilla.
- Layer seasoned ground beef over the cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape that encases the filling.
- Cook quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a golden-brown crispy exterior and fully melted cheese.
- Repeat process with remaining tortillas and filling. Cut into triangular wedges and serve immediately with preferred garnishes.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding hot sauce for heat-loving palates.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure crispy texture.
- Use fresh tortillas and press firmly while cooking to create a perfect seal and even browning.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 504 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 445 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg