Crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory seasoned ground meat, these ground beef quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines convenience and flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and easy cooking methods, you can whip up delicious quesadillas that are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, these ground beef quesadillas fit perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavorful Filling: Each bite is filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the cheese for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a casual dinner, a game day snack, or even at parties—everyone loves quesadillas!
- Easily Scalable: Whether you need to feed two or ten people, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of ground beef quesadillas, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plates
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the ground beef evenly and achieving that perfect golden color on the quesadillas.
- Spatula: Helps in flipping the quesadillas without damaging them, ensuring they remain crispy.
Ingredients
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory seasoned ground meat, these ground beef quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (optional)
– 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1/4 cup beef broth or water
– 8 large flour tortillas (7-inch diameter)
– 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
– Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc., for serving
How to Make Ground Beef Quesadillas
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the meat is browned while breaking it up with a spoon.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid has cooked off. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble Quesadillas
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of each tortilla. Spread an even layer of ground beef mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle another layer of shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Fold Tortillas
Fold each tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 6: Cook Quesadillas
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and return it to medium heat. Add remaining oil. Cook two quesadillas at a time (if they fit). Cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and bottom turns golden. Carefully flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Keep Warm
If needed, keep cooked quesadillas in a warm oven (200°F) until all are cooked.
Step 8: Serve
Let the quesadillas rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing them into wedges. Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side. Enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ground beef quesadillas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can elevate your meal by pairing these cheesy delights with various sides and toppings that complement their flavors.
With Salsa
- Fresh salsa adds a zesty kick, enhancing the savory taste of the quesadillas.
With Guacamole
- Creamy guacamole provides a rich texture that balances the crispy tortillas.
With Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream brings a cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy filling.
With Pico de Gallo
- This fresh tomato mix adds brightness and crunch, making each bite more refreshing.
With Pickled Jalapeños
- For those who love heat, pickled jalapeños offer an extra spicy element.
With Cilantro Lime Rice
- Fluffy cilantro lime rice serves as a great base and complements the quesadillas’ flavors perfectly.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Quesadillas
To ensure your ground beef quesadillas are irresistibly good, follow these simple tips for perfection.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor and texture of your quesadillas.
Don’t overfill: Keep the fillings moderate to avoid soggy tortillas. A little goes a long way!
Cook on medium heat: This ensures even cooking without burning the tortillas while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Let them rest: Allowing cooked quesadillas to sit for a few minutes makes slicing easier and prevents cheese spillage.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Quesadillas
Pairing your ground beef quesadillas with tasty sides can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a delightful twist.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic side that complements the spices in your quesadilla.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips paired with salsa make for an easy and enjoyable appetizer.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with lime dressing sharpens flavors while adding crunch.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice seasoned with spices is a hearty addition that pairs well with Mexican dishes.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of colorful roasted veggies adds nutritional value and enhances the meal’s visual appeal.
Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed black bean salad brings freshness and balances out the richness of the quesadilla.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making ground beef quesadillas, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can impact the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much oil – Adding excessive oil can make the quesadillas greasy. Use just enough to coat the skillet lightly for a crispy finish.
- Overfilling with ingredients – Stuffing too many fillings can lead to messy quesadillas. Stick to a moderate amount of ground beef and cheese for easier folding and cooking.
- Cooking on high heat – Cooking at high temperature might burn the tortillas before the cheese melts. Maintain medium heat to ensure even cooking and perfect melting.
- Skipping resting time – Cutting into quesadillas immediately can cause the filling to spill out. Allow them to rest for a few minutes after cooking for better slicing.
- Not seasoning enough – Failing to properly season the ground beef mixture can result in bland quesadillas. Taste as you go and adjust spices accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked ground beef quesadillas in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef Quesadillas
- Wrap each cooled quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Ground Beef Quesadillas
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making ground beef quesadillas:
Can I use other meats for Ground Beef Quesadillas?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for different flavors.
How do I make Ground Beef Quesadillas spicy?
Add more jalapeños or include red pepper flakes when cooking the beef mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Can I prepare Ground Beef Quesadillas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook when ready.
What cheese is best for Ground Beef Quesadillas?
A Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack works well due to their excellent melting properties.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef quesadillas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or different cheeses. Enjoy this comforting meal anytime and make it your own!
Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ground beef quesadillas are the perfect blend of crispy tortillas, savory seasoned meat, and gooey cheese, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can create this delicious dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With options to customize the ingredients to your taste, these quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends. Pair them with your favorite dips like salsa or guacamole for an elevated culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and optional veggies; sauté for about 4 minutes.
- Mix in spices and tomato paste; simmer with beef broth until thickened.
- Lay tortillas flat; layer cheese, beef mixture, and more cheese on half of each tortilla. Fold in half.
- Cook each quesadilla in the skillet until golden and cheese melts, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (200g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
