Description
If you’re looking to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time, then these Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are just what you need!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Butter or oil for skillet
- Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce
Instructions
- Begin by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it turns a rich brown color, making sure to break it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once browned, drain any excess fat, which will help keep your quesadillas from becoming greasy.
- Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The fragrance from the onion and garlic creates a flavorful base for your filling.
- Time to add some flavor! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to ensure that the spices coat the beef evenly. Following this, pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but helps to moisten the filling.
- On a large tortilla, place a generous portion of the beef mixture, topped with a good handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, encasing the filling. Repeat this with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are prepped.
- In the same skillet, add a bit of butter or oil over medium heat to prevent sticking. Carefully lay the folded quesadillas into the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t forget to press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking. This will create that irresistible crispy exterior!
- Once cooked, let the quesadillas rest for a minute, allowing the cheese to set slightly. Carefully slice them into wedges for easy serving. Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole on the side and enjoy!
Notes
For the crispiest quesadillas, avoid overfilling them. Use low-fat cheese if you prefer a lighter option. Experiment with different cheese types like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a unique twist. Always preheat your skillet adequately to achieve that desired golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 20 g