Why Make This Recipe
Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the day. They offer a wonderful mix of flavors, combining seasoned beef with gooey cheese wrapped in warm tortillas. These quesadillas are not only simple to prepare but also customizable to your taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a late-night snack, this recipe fits the bill!
How to Make Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 flour tortillas (medium size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Directions:
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each tortilla.
- Place one tortilla, buttered side down, in the skillet. Sprinkle with cheese, spoon the beef mixture on top, then add more cheese. Top with another tortilla, buttered side up.
- Cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Slice into wedges and serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
How to Serve Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
Serve these quesadillas warm with your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. They are great for a casual dinner or as an appetizer at a gathering. Feel free to add toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
How to Store Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite mix.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Customize the filling by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Variation
You can swap ground beef for other proteins such as shredded chicken, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. The spices can also be adjusted for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before using it in the quesadillas.
2. Can I freeze quesadillas?
Absolutely! Assemble the quesadillas and freeze them. When you’re ready to eat, cook them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What can I serve with quesadillas?
Besides salsa and sour cream, you can serve them with a fresh salad, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Quick and satisfying quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 flour tortillas (medium size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each tortilla.
- Place one tortilla, buttered side down, in the skillet. Sprinkle with cheese, spoon the beef mixture on top, then add more cheese. Top with another tortilla, buttered side up.
- Cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
- Slice into wedges and serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
Serve warm with dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. Customize with toppings such as jalapeños or avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
