Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe: Sizzling Family Favorite

Crafting delectable cheesy ground beef quesadillas sparks excitement in any kitchen adventure.

Melted cheese and seasoned meat create an irresistible combo that promises pure satisfaction.

Crispy tortillas hold a treasure of savory flavors waiting to be devoured.

Quick and simple ingredients blend seamlessly for a mouthwatering meal you can whip up in minutes.

Mexican-inspired comfort food meets weeknight convenience with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Warm, gooey, and packed with robust flavors, these quesadillas will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Hungry souls, prepare to experience a taste sensation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas – All About Flavor

  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily swap ground beef with chicken, turkey, or keep it vegetarian with black beans for endless variety.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the gooey cheese and seasoned meat wrapped in crispy tortillas, making mealtime a guaranteed hit.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef and tortillas means you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients List For Tasty Ground Beef Quesadillas

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for these quesadillas.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth and warmth to the ground beef, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty texture that binds the quesadilla ingredients together and adds a delicious richness.
Base and Wrapping:
  • Tortillas: Serves as the crispy, golden exterior that holds the filling and creates the classic quesadilla shape.
Optional Toppings and Accompaniments:
  • Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole: Fresh condiments that add extra flavor, creaminess, and zest to the quesadillas.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior for the tortillas and prevents sticking.

Quesadilla Assembly – Simple Steps To Follow

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Warm a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until it turns golden brown.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the meat crispy and delicious.

Step 2: Spice Up The Meat

Add these spices to the cooked beef:
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the meat cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Create The Quesadilla Base

Select a clean skillet and lightly coat with olive oil or butter.

Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on one half of the tortilla.

Step 4: Layer The Filling

Spread the seasoned ground beef over the cheese.

Top the beef with another handful of cheese to ensure maximum melty goodness.

Step 5: Complete And Seal The Quesadilla

Cover the filled half with the remaining tortilla.

Press gently to help the quesadilla hold together.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden

Grill each side for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the quesadillas into wedge shapes.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Handy Tips For Crisp, Cheesy Quesadillas

  • Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent soggy quesadillas and reduce excess oil.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Maintain medium heat to achieve golden, crispy tortillas without burning the edges or leaving raw spots.
  • Adjust chili powder and seasonings to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Use a spatula to lightly press quesadillas, ensuring even browning and helping cheese melt smoothly.

Creative Fillings For Ground Beef Quesadillas

  • Vegetarian Black Bean Quesadillas: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Chicken Fajita Quesadillas: Swap ground beef with sliced grilled chicken and add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Quesadillas: Mix cream cheese with diced jalapeños and use as a cheese replacement, adding a creamy, spicy kick.
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Quesadillas: Use gluten-free tortillas and add grated zucchini for a lighter, veggie-rich alternative.

Presenting Quesadillas For Parties And More

  • Party Plate Perfection: Create a colorful platter with quesadilla wedges arranged around fresh salsa and creamy guacamole for stunning visual appeal.
  • Fiesta Dipping Station: Set out small bowls of sour cream, salsa verde, hot sauce, and chopped cilantro so guests can customize their quesadilla experience.
  • Family-Style Feast: Slice quesadillas into triangles and place on a large wooden board with scattered lime wedges and fresh jalapeño slices for a casual, inviting presentation.
  • Quick Lunch Companion: Pair quesadillas with a simple mixed green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and a light citrus vinaigrette for a balanced meal.

Storage Solutions For Quesadilla Leftovers

  • Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between each quesadilla to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to ensure even warming. Add a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
  • Warm quesadillas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method restores the crispy texture better than microwaving.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices used in this recipe?

The key spices are chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, which add depth and flavor to the ground beef.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use various cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize the quesadillas.

  • How do I prevent the quesadillas from burning?

Cook on medium heat and watch carefully, flipping when the bottom is golden brown. Use a non-stick skillet or add a little oil to prevent sticking.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild spices and cheesy filling make these quesadillas appealing to children, and they can be easily customized to suit different tastes.

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Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
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Description

Mouthwatering ground beef quesadillas promise a delightful Mexican-inspired feast packed with melted cheese and savory seasoned meat. Crispy tortillas and rich flavors blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Tortillas:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil or butter

Optional Serving Sides:

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, then eliminate excess grease.
  2. Infuse the meat with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  3. Prepare a clean skillet with a light coating of olive oil or butter, then lay a tortilla flat.
  4. Generously sprinkle cheese across half the tortilla, creating a melty foundation.
  5. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the cheese, ensuring full coverage.
  6. Crown the beef with another layer of cheese for maximum gooey texture.
  7. Carefully fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal the edges.
  8. Grill on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
  9. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas to create multiple quesadillas.
  10. Slice each quesadilla into triangular wedges for easy serving.
  11. Accompany with classic garnishes like cool sour cream, zesty salsa, or creamy guacamole.

Notes

  • Toast spices in the skillet with beef for deeper, richer flavor development before adding meat.
  • Replace flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla alternatives for a lighter version.
  • Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for maximum melting and complex tangy taste.
  • Cook extra seasoned beef and store separately to quickly assemble quesadillas throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 482 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.

Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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