Sizzling Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe for Taco Night

Melted cheese and savory ground beef create a mouthwatering combination in these irresistible cheesy ground beef quesadillas that will satisfy your wildest cravings.

Crispy tortillas wrap around a delicious filling of seasoned meat and gooey cheese.

Each bite promises a burst of flavor that dances across your taste buds.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Spices blend seamlessly with the rich beef, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.

Prepare to indulge in a Mexican-inspired dish that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Quesadillas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for the quesadillas.
• Tortillas: Soft, round flatbreads that create the crispy exterior and hold the delicious filling.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the ingredients and add rich, creamy flavor.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: Spices that provide depth and traditional Mexican-inspired flavor to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a savory base for the beef mixture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, zesty note to the filling.
• Salsa, Tomato Sauce: Provides extra moisture and tangy flavor to the beef mixture.
• Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream: Delicious accompaniments that complement the quesadillas.

How to Cook Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Step 1: Sizzle the Savory Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, letting it brown beautifully.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Spice Up the Flavor

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Optional: Pour in salsa or tomato sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 3: Build Your Quesadilla Canvas

Grab a clean skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Place a tortilla in the pan.

Sprinkle cheese on half the tortilla, then layer with your spiced beef mixture.

Top with another handful of cheese.

Step 4: Crisp and Golden Transformation

Fold the tortilla in half, creating a perfect half-moon shape.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 5: Slice and Serve with Flair

Cut the quesadilla into wedges.

• Fresh salsa
• Creamy guacamole
• Cool sour cream

Enjoy your mouthwatering creation hot and fresh!

Tips for Golden, Cheesy Quesadillas

• After browning ground beef, remove any excess grease to prevent soggy quesadillas and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika or adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Use a blend of melting cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for maximum gooeyness and rich taste.
• Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and crisp edges on the quesadillas.
• Prepare beef mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for quick assembly later, saving time during busy weeknights.

Quesadilla Variations with Creative Fillings

• Vegetarian Quesadillas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
• Chicken Quesadillas: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breast for a lighter protein.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly and gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Quesadillas: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in pepper jack cheese for extra heat and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

• Mexican Fiesta Night: Create a vibrant dinner experience with these quesadillas as the star of your meal.
• Fresh Dip Delights: Serve alongside zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream for an explosion of flavors that complement the cheesy beef.
• Family-Style Feast: Slice quesadillas into triangles and arrange on a large platter, letting everyone grab and enjoy their favorite pieces with personalized toppings.
• Game Day Winner: Perfect for casual gatherings, these quesadillas can be cut into smaller appetizer-sized portions and paired with cold beverages for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Storing Quesadillas for Tasty Leftovers

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Warm refrigerated quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to revive their original texture.
• Place cooled quesadillas in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen quesadillas can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What kind of cheese works best in these quesadillas?

Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend cheese are perfect. They melt smoothly and add rich flavor to the beef mixture.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use hot salsa. You can also increase the amount of chili powder for extra heat.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty filling. You can adjust the spices to make it mild and use their favorite cheese type.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey. Choose whole wheat tortillas and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas: Flavor Highlights

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, these quesadillas come together in minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Customize with Ease: Swap meats, add extra veggies, or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe modifications.
• Pack with Flavor Punch: Robust spice blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika transforms basic ground beef into a mouthwatering filling that everyone will crave.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, crispy exterior and savory meat filling make these quesadillas a guaranteed hit with children and adults alike, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible cheesy ground beef quesadillas bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Crispy tortillas packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese create a quick, satisfying meal for hungry families and casual gatherings. You’ll love this simple yet delicious dinner solution.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup salsa or tomato sauce (optional)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Wrapping and Cooking:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Butter or oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Enhance the meat mixture by sprinkling cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Optional: stir in salsa or tomato sauce and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a rich, flavorful base. Remove from heat and fold in fresh chopped cilantro.
3. Prepare a clean skillet over medium heat, then carefully position a tortilla in the pan. Distribute shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla, creating a generous layer.
4. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with an additional layer of cheese to ensure maximum meltiness.
5. Gently fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese completely melts.
6. Repeat the process with remaining tortillas, creating multiple quesadillas.
7. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately, accompanied by optional garnishes like fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or cooling sour cream.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful filling.
• Drain excess fat after browning meat to prevent soggy quesadillas and maintain a crisp texture.
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce or jalapeños for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg