Ground Beef Quesadillas

Looking for a fast, satisfying, and family-approved meal? These Ground Beef Quesadillas are the answer! Loaded with seasoned beef and melty cheese, all tucked inside a crispy, golden tortilla, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Whether you need a quick dinner, an easy lunch, or a delicious snack, these quesadillas come together in no time and always hit the spot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
Flavor-Packed – Savory beef and gooey cheese in every bite.
Customizable – Add veggies, spices, or different cheeses to make it your own.
Perfect for Kids & Adults – A crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa

For the Quesadillas:

• 8 medium flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for cooking

Optional Toppings & Fillings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Cheese grater
Plate for assembling
Paper towels (for draining beef)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled.
2. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the tomato sauce (or salsa) and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a plate.
2. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
3. Add a spoonful or two of the beef mixture on top of the cheese.
4. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the beef for extra meltiness.
5. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat 1 tsp of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Let the quesadillas cool for 1-2 minutes, then slice into wedges.
2. Serve with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Quesadillas
Drain Excess Grease – Keeps the filling from making the tortillas soggy.
Use Medium Heat – Ensures crispy outsides and melty cheese inside.
Don’t Overstuff – Too much filling can make the quesadillas hard to flip.
Press Gently While Cooking – Use a spatula to lightly press for even browning.
Customize Freely – Add sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or even beans!

Serving Suggestions
Pair with Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a full meal.
Serve with refried beans or black beans on the side.
Create a DIY quesadilla bar with different toppings and dips.
Add a side of chips and salsa for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds, but they may lose their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead?
   Yes! Both work great and are lighter alternatives to beef.
2. What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?
   Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully.
3. Can I freeze quesadillas?
   Absolutely! Wrap individually in foil and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen in a skillet or oven.
4. How do I keep them crispy after cooking?
   Place cooked quesadillas on a wire rack instead of stacking them on a plate.

Final Thoughts
These Ground Beef Quesadillas are a quick, easy, and ultra-satisfying meal that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. With simple ingredients and unbeatable flavor, they’re perfect for busy nights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a cheesy, hearty fix.

Make a batch today and watch how fast they disappear!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 570mg

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