Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas (2 each)
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Category: Main Dish / Quick Dinner

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Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

• Sour cream and guacamole, for serving

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan

• Spatula

• Mixing spoon

• Knife and cutting board

• Grater for cheese (if not pre-shredded)

• Plate lined with paper towels

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling (Intensity: Medium, Time: 10 min)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma.

4. Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, approximately 5–6 minutes.

5. Drain excess fat if necessary.

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Step 2: Season the Beef (Intensity: Easy, Time: 2 min)

1. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes.

2. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with spices.

3. Pour in 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
   Tip: Adjust the spice level according to your taste; more chili powder or red pepper flakes for heat, less for milder flavor.

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Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas (Intensity: Medium, Time: 5 min)

1. Lay out 1 flour tortilla on a clean surface.

2. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over half of the tortilla.

3. Spoon a generous portion of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the cheese.

4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the beef.

5. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Press gently to compact.
   Tip: Don’t overfill, or the quesadilla may break while cooking.

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Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas (Intensity: Medium, Time: 5 min)

1. Heat a clean, non-stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.

3. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute before slicing into wedges.

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Step 5: Serve (Intensity: Very Easy, Time: 2 min)

1. Transfer quesadilla wedges to a plate.

2. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

3. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa.

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Tips for Perfect Quesadillas

1. Even Cheese Distribution: Layering cheese on both sides of the beef prevents the filling from spilling out.

2. Heat Control: Medium heat ensures tortillas crisp evenly without burning.

3. Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and cook when ready.

4. Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for extra meltiness.

5. Tortilla Choice: Large flour tortillas work best, but whole wheat or gluten-free options are excellent substitutes.

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Storage

• Refrigerate cooked quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best crispness; microwaving may make them soggy.

• Freezing is possible: wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

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Nutrition Information (Per Quesadilla, Approximate)

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly based on cheese brand, tortilla type, and meat fat content.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Customizable: Swap cheeses, add veggies like bell peppers, or increase spice to your liking.

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the gooey cheese and flavorful beef.

• Versatile: Works as a main dish, snack, or party finger food.

• Balanced Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla makes every bite satisfying.

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Optional Variations

1. Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture.

2. Spicy Kick: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add extra cheese or a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.

4. Mini Quesadillas: Make smaller, appetizer-sized quesadillas for parties.

5. Low-Carb Version: Use low-carb tortillas or make lettuce wraps instead.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Intensity Recap

• Beef Cooking: Medium intensity, 10 minutes. Requires stirring, browning, and seasoning.

• Assembling Quesadillas: Medium intensity, 5 minutes. Requires careful layering to prevent spills.

• Cooking Quesadillas: Medium intensity, 5 minutes. Requires flipping and monitoring heat for perfect crispiness.

• Serving: Very easy, 2 minutes. Minimal effort to plate and garnish.

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These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a delicious combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas. They strike the perfect balance of flavor and ease, making them a go-to recipe for quick dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and under 40 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a comfort food fix, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.