Beef Quesadillas with Ground Beef and Cheese

Introduction

Beef Quesadillas with Ground Beef and Cheese are a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. This dish features seasoned ground beef paired with gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between soft, warm tortillas and cooked to golden perfection. Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these quesadillas are a true crowd-pleaser.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity and versatility. You can make it in under 30 minutes, customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, and serve it with a variety of dips such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. It’s a fun and interactive meal that the whole family can enjoy, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The ground beef is seasoned perfectly with a mix of spices that complement the melted cheese, creating a rich and hearty filling. The tortillas provide a crisp, golden exterior, while the inside remains warm, cheesy, and delicious.

Another reason I love this recipe is its versatility. You can add bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, or even beans to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Plus, quesadillas are perfect for customizing to each family member’s taste. They’re quick to make, easy to clean up, and always leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines speed, flavor, and convenience into a handheld meal that everyone loves. The combination of savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and crisp tortillas makes it irresistible.

It’s also a versatile recipe—you can make it for a quick weeknight dinner, pack it for lunch, or serve it at parties as a finger food appetizer. The flavors are universally appealing, and it’s easy to adjust spice levels to suit your taste. Once you try this dish, it’s likely to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
• Course: Main Course / Snack
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)

For the Quesadillas:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp butter or oil for cooking
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Ground Beef:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning:
   Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers (if using) to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble Quesadillas:
   Lay a tortilla flat and evenly spread a portion of the beef mixture over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
4. Cook Quesadillas:
   Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining quesadillas.
5. Serve:
   Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
2. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers with the beef.
3. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Lay a tortilla flat and add beef mixture and cheese. Fold in half.
5. Heat butter or oil in a skillet. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
6. Slice into wedges and serve with toppings.

How to Serve

Serve these quesadillas hot, paired with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro. They’re perfect as a main dish, a quick lunch, or a snack at parties. Pair with a side salad or Mexican rice for a more filling meal.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill the tortillas; too much filling can make them difficult to cook.
• Cook on medium heat to get a golden, crispy exterior without burning the tortilla.
• Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor and meltiness.
• Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.

Variations

• Spicy Quesadillas: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetable Quesadillas: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling.
• Chicken or Turkey Version: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.
• Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese or use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
• Meal Prep Version: Cook beef filling ahead of time and assemble quesadillas when needed.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate cooked quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked assembled quesadillas in a single layer with parchment paper between them for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes per side.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for cheese (if using block cheese)

Conclusion

Beef Quesadillas with Ground Beef and Cheese are a quick, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a combination of savory seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and golden tortillas, this dish is a surefire hit for lunch, dinner, or snacks. Easy to prepare, highly customizable, and universally loved, these quesadillas are a must-try for anyone who enjoys Mexican-inspired comfort food.