Why Make This Recipe
Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas are an easy and fun meal that everyone loves. They are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a gathering with friends. The combination of ground beef and melted cheese inside crispy tortillas creates a delicious comfort food that is hard to resist. You can enjoy them as a meal or a tasty snack, and they are easily customizable to suit your taste.
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 excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- 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 cheese, spoon beef mixture, and 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 hot and fresh from the skillet. Pair them with your favorite sides like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. They are also great with a side of salad or rice to make a complete meal.
How to Store Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
If you have leftovers, let the quesadillas cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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 different types of cheese for varied flavors, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use a tortilla press for perfect-sized tortillas if you are making them from scratch.
Variation
You can swap ground beef for other proteins like shredded chicken, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Feel free to add different spices or sauces to personalize the flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the quesadillas right before cooking.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are the most common choice for quesadillas, but you can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
How do I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef and avoid overfilling the quesadillas. Cooking them on medium heat also helps keep them crispy.
Ground Beef Cheesy Quesadillas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Easy and delicious ground beef cheesy quesadillas that are perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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 excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- 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 cheese, spoon beef mixture, and 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
Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican