Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

Ground beef quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Perfectly seasoned beef and melted cheese make a comforting filling wrapped in a crispy tortilla. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
• 4 large tortillas (burrito sized)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet, stirring frequently and breaking apart the meat as it cooks. Continue until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease or moisture and return the beef to the pan.
2. Step 2: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove the pan from heat and set the beef mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Place one tortilla in the skillet and evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the entire tortilla. Spread the beef mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
4. Step 4: Cook until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom of the tortilla turns golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Fold the tortilla over the filling. If the outside isn’t browned and crispy yet, continue cooking until it is lightly browned, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, butter, cheese, and beef mixture to make four quesadillas. When all are cooked, cut each quesadilla into thirds and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before cooking.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you like a bit of spice.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for a healthier or allergy-friendly option.
• Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added taste and texture.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortilla crispy or use a microwave for quicker reheating, though the tortilla may be softer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

How can I make quesadillas ahead of time?

Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

This Ground Beef Quesadillas recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned lean ground beef, melted cheddar or colby jack cheese, and crispy golden tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these quesadillas are packed with flavor and perfect for cheese lovers.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 large quesadillas 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
• 4 large tortillas (burrito sized)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, stirring frequently while breaking apart the meat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease or moisture, then return the meat to the skillet.
2. Season the meat: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove the seasoned meat from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the quesadilla base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Lay one burrito-sized tortilla flat in the skillet, then evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the entire tortilla. Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
4. Cook and fold the quesadilla: Allow the quesadilla to cook until the cheese begins to melt and the underside turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Fold the tortilla over the meat side. If the outside is not yet golden and crispy, continue to cook until browned and crisp, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
5. Repeat and serve: Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining tortillas to make a total of 4 quesadillas. Once all are cooked, cut each quesadilla into thirds to form triangles. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease while cooking.
• Feel free to substitute the cheddar or colby jack cheese with your favorite melty cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
• For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce inside the quesadilla before folding.
• Make sure to cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning the tortilla while allowing the cheese to melt completely.
• Quesadillas can be served with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Keywords: ground beef quesadillas, easy quesadilla recipe, cheesy quesadillas, Mexican dinner, quick weeknight meal