Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Deliciously crispy tortillas filled with savory ground beef and gooey melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- 1 pound ground beef fresh and juicy
- 1 small onion, finely chopped for sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for aroma
- 1 teaspoon chili powder for spice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin for warmth
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika for flavor
- salt and pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup tomato sauce or salsa for moisture
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese for creaminess
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese for melting
- 6 large flour tortillas for wrapping
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Mix in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce or salsa. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
- Assemble the quesadillas by layering cheese, the beef mixture, and more cheese on one half of each tortilla. Fold to create a half-moon shape.
- Place the assembled quesadillas in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown.
- Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Notes
For additional flavor, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños. If preferred, use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version. Ensure a non-stick skillet is used and avoid overcrowding when cooking.