The Best Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

One evening, I needed to make something quick that my family would actually eat without complaints. I had some ground beef in the fridge, tortillas in the pantry, and plenty of cheese. Instead of making tacos or burgers, I decided to try quesadillas.

That first batch disappeared in minutes. The crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and seasoned beef were the perfect combination. Now, these ground beef quesadillas are one of my go-to meals for busy nights. They’re easy, filling, and always a hit.

Servings	Total
4	20mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first made quesadillas as a way to use up leftover taco meat. Over time, I started making them from scratch with a simple but flavorful beef filling. After experimenting with different seasonings and cheeses, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors that my family loves.

Why Ground Beef Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a great option when you need something quick, easy, and delicious. They take just a few ingredients, cook in minutes, and can be customized with whatever toppings or fillings you have on hand. Plus, they’re great for meal prep since they reheat well.

What Is Ground Beef Quesadillas Made Of?

These quesadillas are made with simple, everyday ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Onion and garlic
• Seasonings (chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper)
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole

What to Have with Ground Beef Quesadillas

These quesadillas are great on their own, but you can serve them with:

• Mexican rice – A perfect side dish.
• Refried beans – Creamy and filling.
• Guacamole – Adds creaminess and freshness.
• Pico de gallo – A fresh, tangy topping.

Is Ground Beef Quesadillas Healthy?

Quesadillas can be a balanced meal, especially if you use lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and add veggies like bell peppers or spinach. You can also swap out regular cheese for a lighter version if you want to reduce the fat content.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Griddle or second skillet for cooking quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–6 minutes).
   • Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Season the Meat:
   • Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
   • Remove the beef mixture from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Quesadillas:
   • Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
   • Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
   • Spoon a few tablespoons of the beef mixture on top of the cheese.
   • Sprinkle a little more cheese over the beef, then fold the tortilla in half.
5. Cook the Quesadillas:
   • Heat a small amount of olive oil in a clean skillet over medium heat.
   • Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
   • Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until crispy and the cheese is melted.
   • Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
6. Serve:
   • Slice each quesadilla into wedges.
   • Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Tips

• Use a mix of cheeses for better flavor and melting.
• If you want extra crunch, brush the tortillas lightly with butter before cooking.
• Let the quesadillas cool for a minute before slicing to keep the cheese from oozing out.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but they’re smaller and may be a bit more delicate.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble and refrigerate them, then cook when ready.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Ground beef quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. They’re easy to customize, packed with flavor, and great for feeding a crowd. Whether you serve them as a snack, lunch, or dinner, they’re always a hit. Try them out and enjoy a cheesy, crispy meal in no time!

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