Ground Beef Quesadillas

Introduction

Ground beef quesadillas are a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Loaded with delicious seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, this dish is a family favorite. The recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients and flavors. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful way to spice up your weekly meal plan, this dish is a must-try.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Ground Beef

One pound of lean ground beef, cooked and drained.

Cheese

Two cups of shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend.

Flour Tortillas

Eight medium-sized flour tortillas for the perfect balance of size and texture.

Diced Onion

One small diced onion for added flavor and sweetness.

Minced Garlic

One teaspoon of minced garlic to enhance the flavor.

Seasonings

Include one teaspoon of chili powder, half a teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt to taste.

Cooking Oil

One to two tablespoons of cooking oil for crisping the tortillas in the skillet.

Optional Toppings

Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped fresh cilantro for serving.

Prep Time

This recipe requires about 10 to 15 minutes of prep time. Start by cooking and draining the ground beef. Prepare and measure your ingredients, like shredding the cheese and dicing the onion, to ensure everything is ready to go.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for the quesadillas is approximately 10 minutes, making the total time for this recipe 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about four servings, depending on portion sizes and appetites.

With its ease of preparation and delicious results, these ground beef quesadillas are sure to become a household favorite!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Start by heating a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. This typically takes about 6–8 minutes.
3. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Season the Beef

1. Lower the heat and add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef.
2. Stir in water (about 2–3 tablespoons) to help mix and dissolve the seasoning evenly.
3. Let the beef simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes until the seasoning fully coats the meat and the liquid cooks off.

Step 3: Prepare the Quesadilla Ingredients

1. Grate the cheese (if not pre-shredded) and have it ready.
2. Have your tortillas, butter, or oil nearby for cooking.

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay a tortilla on a flat surface.
2. Evenly sprinkle a layer of cheese on one half of the tortilla.
3. Add a layer of the seasoned ground beef over the cheese.
4. Sprinkle another thin layer of cheese over the meat. This helps the tortilla stick together when cooking.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.

Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to coat the bottom lightly.
2. Carefully place the assembled quesadilla onto the skillet.
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side or until golden brown and crisp. Use a spatula to gently press it down as it cooks.
4. Flip the quesadilla carefully and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until golden and the cheese has melted.
5. Remove from the skillet and repeat for additional quesadillas, adding more butter or oil as needed.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Allow the cooked quesadillas to cool slightly for 1–2 minutes before slicing.
2. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut them into wedges.
3. Serve immediately with desired toppings or dips, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Notes

Note About Tortilla Size

For this recipe, medium or large-sized tortillas work best to hold the filling securely.

Note About Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives to prevent clumping.

Note About Seasoning

Using pre-packaged taco seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own blend if desired for more control over flavors and salt.

Note About Cooking the Quesadillas

Cook on medium heat to ensure the tortilla crisps up without burning while the cheese melts properly.

Note About Serving

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Avoid letting the quesadillas sit for too long as they may lose their crispness.
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Cook Techniques

How to use a large skillet to cook the beef

Cook the ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet. Break the beef into crumbles as it cooks for even browning. Once browned, drain any excess grease before adding in additional ingredients like taco seasoning.

Proper toasting of the quesadillas

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla until the tortilla is golden and crisp, while the cheese is melted. Flip carefully to ensure both sides are evenly toasted without spilling the filling.

Achieving melty cheese

To get the cheese melted properly without burning the tortilla, cook the quesadillas at medium heat. Avoid cooking on high heat as it can toast the tortillas too quickly without fully melting the cheese.

Use of taco seasoning in beef

Stir taco seasoning into the cooked and drained ground beef to enhance the flavor profile. Ensure the seasoning is evenly mixed for consistent flavor throughout the beef. Optionally, add a splash of water for blending.

Preparing the quesadilla filling

Layer the prepared ground beef, shredded cheese, and other ingredients like additional veggies onto one tortilla. Make sure to distribute the fillings evenly for balanced quesadillas.

Cooking in batches

If making multiple quesadillas, work one or two at a time in the skillet to avoid overcrowding. Keeping the pan manageable ensures even cooking and proper crispness.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked ground beef. Just reheat and season it with taco seasoning before assembling the quesadillas for optimal flavor.

What kind of cheese works best?

Shredded Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are ideal choices because they melt well and enhance the flavor of the quesadillas.

Can I add extra fillings?

Yes! Feel free to add extras like sautéed onions, peppers, jalapeños, beans, or even corn to suit your personal preferences.

Are these quesadillas freezer-friendly?

Fully cooked quesadillas can be frozen. Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap before storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat on a skillet or in the oven.

What type of tortilla should I use?

Flour tortillas work best for quesadillas as they are sturdy and crisp up nicely, while holding the fillings well during cooking.

How do I prevent the quesadillas from falling apart?

Ensure the tortilla is evenly filled with not too much filling. Press down gently with a spatula as the quesadillas cook to help the cheese adhere and hold everything together.

Can I use another protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be used as substitutes for ground beef.

How do I reheat leftover quesadillas?

To reheat, place the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the tortillas to become soggy.

Conclusion

Ground beef quesadillas are a simple yet delicious option for any meal, offering a perfect combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful ground beef, melty cheese, and complementary spices. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner, satisfying snack, or even a party appetizer, these quesadillas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize and whip up in no time, they’re a versatile and tempting dish for any occasion.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Quesadillas

Experiment with shredded or cubed chicken instead of ground beef, seasoned with taco spices for a different protein-packed variation.

Vegetarian Quesadillas

Skip the meat and load your quesadillas with hearty fillings like black beans, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and melted cheese.

Breakfast Quesadillas

Combine scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and shredded cheese for a satisfying twist to start your morning.

Spicy Ground Turkey Quesadillas

Swap the beef for ground turkey and add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier, leaner alternative.

Cheesy Shrimp Quesadillas

Mix sautéed shrimp with cheese and your favorite spices or herbs for a seafood-inspired flavor.

BBQ Beef Quesadillas

Use barbecue sauce with your ground beef filling and mix in some red onions for a sweet and tangy take.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Combine shredded buffalo chicken with ranch or blue cheese dressing and melted cheese for a tangy treat.

Caprese Quesadillas

Add fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato slices for a simple, classy twist on the classic.

Loaded Quesadillas

Add layers of ingredients such as refried beans, avocado slices, jalapeños, or grilled corn for a fully-loaded experience.

Sweet and Savory Quesadillas

For a unique twist, try adding sweet elements like caramelized onions, apples, or even a dash of honey to balance the savory cheese and meat filling.