Crispy Beef Quesadillas (30 Minutes)

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Ground beef quesadillas are a simple and delicious choice for a homemade dinner that the whole family will enjoy. They are easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite ingredients. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese and crispy tortillas for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Let’s dig in!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir well to combine.
  3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  4. Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat and brush lightly with vegetable oil.
  5. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a small amount of cheese over half of the tortilla.
  6. Spoon a generous portion of the ground beef over the cheese and top with additional cheese.
  7. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the beef and cheese to form a half-moon shape.
  8. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
  9. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Notes

You can add additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, or (my favorite) avocado to the quesadillas for added flavor and texture. Make sure to use a skillet that is large enough to hold a folded tortilla without spilling the filling. Serve with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also make these quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a quick and easy dinner — who doesn’t love that?

*The following nutritional information is based on estimates.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 24g

Pair this with...

Guacamole

Start with ripe avocados - when you give them a gentle squeeze, they should have a little give, but not feel mushy. Halve and pit them, scooping out their green goodness into a bowl. Now, add the juice of a fresh lime. This brightens the flavor and helps keep that vibrant green color. Toss in a finely chopped small red onion, a minced clove of garlic, a small diced tomato, and maybe a deseeded and diced jalapeño if you're in the mood for some heat. A handful of chopped cilantro leaves adds that distinct freshness, but if you're not a fan, it's okay to skip it. Sprinkle in some salt, and then mash everything together. You can use a fork or a potato masher, depending on how chunky you like your guacamole. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a side to pretty much anything.

Mexican Refried Beans

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of lard or vegetable oil until soft. Add pre-cooked beans (canned works too!), mashing them while they fry. Season with a dash of cumin, salt, and maybe a pinch of chili powder for some kick. Once they're beautifully creamy and slightly caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish. The final touch? A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top – think cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco – which will melt into gooey perfection from the beans' warmth.

Homemade Salsa

To start, grab about 5 ripe tomatoes. You want them juicy but firm. Dice them up and toss them into a mixing bowl. Add a finely chopped red onion for some bite and crunch. Now, for that classic spicy kick, chop up a jalapeño (or two if you're brave). Remember, the seeds and white parts are the spiciest, so adjust to your liking. Squeeze the juice of a lime over your mixture for that zesty zing. Toss in a good handful of freshly chopped cilantro; it gives salsa its signature flavor. Sprinkle in some salt and give everything a good stir. If you've got a garlic clove lying around, mince it and mix it in for an extra layer of flavor. Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld together and enjoy!

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