Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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