If you are craving a dish that combines melty cheese, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and golden, crispy tortillas, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and satisfying. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of spices and gooey cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a snack for friends, or a festive gathering, these quesadillas are easy to prep, endlessly delicious, and sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to add incredible flavor, texture, and a beautiful color contrast. From the fragrant spices to the rich blend of cheeses, every element plays a vital role in making this dish special.
- Olive oil: Used to cook the beef gently and bring out its rich flavor.
- Extra lean ground beef: The hearty base of the quesadilla, finely seasoned for maximum taste.
- Chili powder: Adds warmth and a mild kick, essential for that classic Tex-Mex flavor.
- Ground chipotle chili pepper: Brings a smoky heat that elevates the dish.
- Dried oregano: Introduces an earthy, aromatic note that balances the spices.
- Ground cumin: Provides a warm, nutty undertone that complements the beef perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky goodness to deepen the flavor profile.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness without overwhelming the other spices.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to season and bring all the flavors together.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for an exciting, spicy edge.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and a touch of sweetness to the beef mixture.
- Unsalted beef stock or broth: Keeps the beef moist and flavorful as it simmers.
- Shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella): The melty, gooey heart of the quesadilla that pulls everything together.
- Flour tortillas (7 to 8 inches): Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness.
- Vegetable oil: Used to crisp the quesadillas to golden perfection during cooking.
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream: Perfect accompaniments that add freshness, creaminess, and a zesty finish.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). This step is a game-changer as it allows you to keep your quesadillas warm and melty while you cook the rest in batches. It means everyone gets to enjoy them piping hot!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. As it cooks, break the meat into small, even pieces and stir occasionally. After about 8 to 10 minutes, your beef will be perfectly browned and bursting with flavorful spices.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Broth
Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock or broth to your cooked beef mixture. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the tomato’s richness and the broth’s juiciness. Then, transfer the mixture to a bowl and drain any excess grease for a cleaner, lighter filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out your tortillas and sprinkle approximately 8 ounces (2 cups) of the shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Layer your cooked beef mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining 4 ounces (1 cup) of cheese. Fold the tortillas in half, creating a half-moon shape bursting with cheese and seasoned beef inside.
Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas
Warm about 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Place two quesadillas in the pan, cooking each for roughly 2 minutes per side. You want that glorious golden crust on the outside and perfectly melted cheese inside. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning, flipping carefully.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Finish Cooking
Transfer cooked quesadillas to your preheated oven on a sheet pan to keep them warm and melty. Wipe your pan clean and repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil between batches as needed. This ensures every quesadilla comes out crispy and delicious.
Step 7: Serve
Slice each quesadilla in half, yielding 12 cheesy pieces perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Serve immediately with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping and dolloping on top. The fresh sides add brightness that perfectly complements the rich, cheesy filling.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a scattering of sliced jalapeños can elevate your quesadillas from great to unforgettable. These little touches add freshness, acidity, and a hint of heat that beautifully balance the ooey-gooey center.
Side Dishes
Pair your quesadillas with light and refreshing sides to create a complete meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, Mexican street corn, or even a simple black bean salad are awesome options. These sides provide contrast and keep each bite interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of serving these for a casual party or family gathering? Stack a platter high with the halved quesadillas and place small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream around for a fun “build-your-own” snack station. You can even add some pickled jalapeño slices and sliced radishes for extra crunch and flavor contrast. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which may be a rare occasion), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days. This means you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe long after the initial feast.
Freezing
These quesadillas freeze beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prep. Freeze fully cooked and cooled quesadillas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave. This method crisps the tortilla again while melting the cheese inside. If short on time, microwaving works in a pinch but may result in a softer, less crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative, though it’s a bit milder in flavor. Just be sure to season it well as you do the beef and cook thoroughly until browned and fully cooked.
What cheese blend do you recommend?
The classic combination is cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella. Cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack melts beautifully with a mild flavor, and mozzarella adds that stringy, gooey texture that everyone loves in quesadillas.
Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef with seasoned sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a mix of bell peppers and onions. The cheese and spices will still create a delicious, hearty filling.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a nice moderate heat level thanks to the chili powders and cayenne, but it’s easily adjustable. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder quesadilla, or add extra jalapeños for more heat.
What’s the best way to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Cooking quesadillas over medium-low heat and using a little vegetable oil to crisp them helps keep them perfectly crispy. Also, don’t overfill with beef and cheese, and make sure to drain any excess grease from the meat mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying solo dinner, it never disappoints. So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to create a batch of golden, cheesy perfection that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a staple in your recipe box!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces (6 quesadillas, cut in half)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas recipe features a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef and a generous mix of melted cheeses, all folded inside warm flour tortillas. Perfectly pan-cooked to a golden crisp and served with classic sides like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, these quesadillas make a satisfying and easy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted beef stock or broth (or low sodium/regular)
Quesadilla Assembly
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pizza mozzarella preferred)
- 6 flour tortillas (7 to 8 inches in diameter each)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (about 2 teaspoons per batch, to grease pan)
Serving
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the cooked quesadillas warm while you finish preparing all batches.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces and stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and browned, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock or broth. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to blend flavors, then transfer the beef mixture to a bowl, draining excess grease if needed.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Evenly distribute about 8 ounces (2 cups) of shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Layer the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces (1 cup) of cheese on top. Fold the tortillas over to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook the Quesadillas: In a non-stick pan, heat about 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Place two quesadillas in the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip them and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisp. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
- Keep Warm and Repeat: Transfer cooked quesadillas to a sheet pan and keep them warm in the preheated oven. Clean the pan if needed and repeat the cooking process with the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil between batches.
- Serve: Cut each quesadilla in half to make 12 pieces total. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. Enjoy!
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the beef and quesadillas.
- Adjust the seasoning and chili powder amounts to suit your preferred spice level.
- Be sure to keep cooked quesadillas warm in the oven to maintain their crispiness while cooking remaining batches.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
- Leftover quesadillas reheat well in a skillet or oven to retain their crispness.
