Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheesy ground beef quesadillas are packed with flavor and texture. The savory ground beef is perfectly seasoned and complemented by melting cheese, making each bite irresistible. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also use ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth (or water)
- 4 flour tortillas (7 to 8 inches in diameter)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the tomato paste and beef broth (or water), stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Place a tortilla in a separate skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese on half of the tortilla, then top with a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Add more cheese on top of the beef and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Slice the quesadillas in half and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Incorporate sautéed onions, peppers, or corn for added flavor and texture.
- Use different proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different twist.
- Spicy options: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to give your quesadillas an extra kick.
- Cheese blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they might not hold up as well as flour tortillas, which are more flexible for quesadillas.
2. What cheese is best for quesadillas?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work best for quesadillas. You can also mix them for extra flavor.
3. Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with beans, tofu, or sautéed vegetables.
4. Can I freeze the quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze cooked quesadillas. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. How do I prevent the quesadillas from burning?
Cook quesadillas on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the tortillas.
6. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas when you're ready to cook them.
7. What toppings can I serve with quesadillas?
Try sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for the perfect side dishes.
8. How do I make the quesadillas extra crispy?
Use a little extra oil or butter in the pan and cook the quesadillas on a low heat to achieve a crisp, golden texture.
9. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked ground beef, just heat it up and follow the steps for adding seasoning and cheese.
10. How can I make these quesadillas spicier?
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of heat.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With a savory beef filling, lots of melted cheese, and a crispy exterior, these quesadillas will satisfy your cravings and are easy to customize to your taste. Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend snack, these quesadillas are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a quick, delicious meal made with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a satisfying and tasty meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth (or water)
- 4 flour tortillas (7 to 8 inches in diameter)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato paste and beef broth (or water), stirring to combine. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place a tortilla in a separate skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese on half of the tortilla, then top with the seasoned ground beef. Add more cheese on top of the beef and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy and cheese has melted.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed vegetables like onions, peppers, or corn.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling.
- You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken
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