Ground Beef Quesadillas

Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside—Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate quick-fix meal that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Mexican-inspired classic comes together in just 30 minutes and is packed with bold flavor and melty goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
Flavor-Packed – Seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crisp tortillas.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and endlessly customizable.
Perfect Anytime – Serve for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and store for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup black beans or corn (optional, for added texture and flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Quesadillas:

• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/jack combo)
• Butter or oil, for cooking

Optional Fillings & Toppings:

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl for seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and onion.
Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Seasoning & Extras
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Add black beans or corn if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle cheese on one half of each tortilla.
Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese.
Top with more cheese, then fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Lightly butter or oil the pan.
Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Press gently with a spatula to help them crisp evenly.

Step 5: Slice & Serve
Let quesadillas cool for 1–2 minutes before slicing into wedges.
Serve with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Quesadillas
Use High-Quality Tortillas – Sturdy, burrito-size tortillas hold up best.
Don’t Overstuff – Too much filling can cause breakage or leaking.
Melt Cheese Evenly – Shred your own cheese for better meltability.
Cook Over Medium Heat – Prevents burning the outside before the cheese melts.
Press as You Cook – Use a spatula or sandwich press to seal and crisp.

Serving Suggestions
Side of Rice – Try Spanish rice, cilantro-lime rice, or plain white rice.
Tortilla Chips & Salsa – Classic pairing for a Mexican-style meal.
Simple Salad – A crisp green salad balances out the richness.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Sweet, creamy, and spicy.
Refried Beans – A hearty and traditional side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually in foil or parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Skillet: Reheat over medium heat for best crispness.
Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Microwave: 30–60 seconds, but may soften the tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the quesadillas and refrigerate or freeze before cooking. Cook fresh when ready to eat.

2. What other fillings work well?
Sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great add-ins. You can also use shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian version.

3. What kind of cheese should I use?
Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack all melt beautifully.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free tortillas.

Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Quesadillas are a delicious, foolproof meal that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. With seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a crisp golden shell, each bite is loaded with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or just making a quick dinner, these quesadillas are always a hit.

So grab those tortillas and fire up the skillet—it’s quesadilla night!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 26g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 710mg

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