Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and crispy. The seasoned ground beef adds a hearty and flavorful filling, while the gooey melted cheese binds everything together for that perfect bite. The best part? They come together in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Serve them with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, and you have a meal that’s both easy and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)

• 1/2 cup water

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

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add seasonings: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

3. Assemble the quesadillas: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the ground beef mixture evenly over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef. Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling, to create a half-moon shape.

4. Cook the quesadillas: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to the skillet. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted inside. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.

5. Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and slice them into wedges. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 20 minutes

• Active time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Quesadillas: Replace the ground beef with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a plant-based meat alternative.

• Spicy Quesadillas: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

• Cheese Options: Mix different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a creamy filling.

• Add More Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions and garlic to add extra flavor and nutrition to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the quesadillas in a skillet over low heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but keep in mind that they may crack more easily when folding. You can heat them slightly before filling to make them more pliable.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the quesadillas and cook them as directed.

Can I freeze quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze assembled, uncooked quesadillas. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To cook, simply thaw and cook in a skillet as you would a fresh quesadilla.

How do I make the quesadillas extra crispy?

To get your quesadillas extra crispy, add a little more oil to the skillet when cooking, or try pressing down gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure an even, crispy texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner option. Just make sure to season the turkey well for flavor.

What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend are all great options for quesadillas. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a richer, more complex flavor.

How do I know when my quesadillas are done?

The quesadillas are done when the tortilla is golden brown and crispy on both sides, and the cheese inside has fully melted. You can cut a quesadilla in half to check the melted cheese if needed.

Can I add salsa or sauce inside the quesadilla?

Yes! Feel free to add salsa or hot sauce inside the quesadilla along with the beef and cheese for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to add too much sauce, as it can make the quesadilla soggy.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are an easy, delicious, and customizable meal that everyone will love. The crispy, golden tortilla, savory beef filling, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. With so many ways to customize this recipe, it’s easy to make it your own. Try it today for a quick and tasty meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!