These cheesy beef quesadillas are crispy on the outside, packed with flavorful, seasoned ground beef, and oozing with melted cheese. They are quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, or even as a snack. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a delicious, satisfying meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup beef broth or water
8 large flour tortillas (7-inch diameter)
3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc., for serving

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid has cooked off. Remove from heat.
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of each tortilla. Spread a layer of ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle another layer of shredded cheese on top of the ground beef.
Fold the tortillas in half to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese.
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and return to medium heat. Add the remaining oil and cook two quesadillas at a time (if they fit). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bottom turns golden. Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
If needed, keep cooked quesadillas warm in a 200°F oven until all are ready.
Let the quesadillas rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving hot. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving – 1 Quesadilla)

Calories: 540 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 31 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 780 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these cheesy beef quesadillas:

Quick and easy: They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredibly flavorful: The beef is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, creating a rich and smoky taste.
Crispy and cheesy: The combination of melted cheese and a perfectly golden tortilla makes every bite satisfying.
Customizable: You can switch up the cheese, add extra veggies, or make them spicy to suit your taste.
Great for any occasion: Whether served as a full meal, a snack, or even party food, these quesadillas are always a hit.

The Secret to the Best Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

The key to making the best quesadillas lies in a few simple techniques that enhance their flavor and texture:

Season the beef well: The combination of spices, garlic, and tomato paste gives the beef a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
Use the right cheese: A good melting cheese like a Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack ensures a gooey, cheesy filling.
Toast the tortillas properly: Cooking them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat creates a crispy, golden crust without burning.
Let them rest before slicing: Allowing the quesadillas to sit for a couple of minutes before cutting helps the cheese set and prevents them from falling apart.

Choosing the Right Cheese for Quesadillas

Cheese is a crucial ingredient in quesadillas, and using the right kind can make all the difference. Some of the best choices include:

Mexican blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso asadero, and queso quesadilla—melts beautifully and adds great flavor.
Cheddar: Offers a sharp, rich taste and melts well, adding extra depth to the dish.
Monterey Jack: A mild, creamy cheese that melts smoothly and balances the bold flavors of the beef.
Oaxaca cheese: A traditional Mexican cheese with a stretchy, mozzarella-like texture.

For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Best Tortillas for Quesadillas

The type of tortilla you use can impact the final texture of your quesadilla. Here’s what to consider:

Flour tortillas: Soft, pliable, and perfect for achieving a crispy yet tender texture when toasted.
Corn tortillas: More traditional but slightly less flexible; they create a firmer, crunchier quesadilla.
Whole wheat tortillas: A slightly healthier option that still provides great flavor and texture.

For larger, full-sized quesadillas, opt for burrito-sized tortillas, while smaller taco-sized tortillas work well for snack-sized portions.

What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

These quesadillas are incredibly versatile and pair well with various sides and toppings:

Salsa: Classic tomato salsa, pico de gallo, or a smoky chipotle salsa adds freshness and tang.
Guacamole: The creamy richness of guacamole balances the bold, seasoned beef.
Sour cream: A cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy filling.
Jalapeños or hot sauce: For those who love a spicy kick.
Cilantro and lime wedges: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring out the flavors.
Mexican rice or refried beans: Makes the meal heartier and more filling.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftover quesadillas, they store and reheat well without losing too much texture or flavor.

Refrigeration: Store cooled quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual quesadillas in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating:
- Skillet: Warm over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Microwave: Works in a pinch but may make the tortillas soft instead of crispy.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about quesadillas is how easily they can be customized. Here are some great variations to try:

Make them spicy: Add extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Try different proteins: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian option: Replace the beef with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
Extra cheesy: Mix in cream cheese or queso fresco for an ultra-creamy filling.
Breakfast quesadillas: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a morning-friendly version.

Why These Quesadillas Are Great for Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a meal that can be prepped in advance, these quesadillas are a fantastic choice:

Make the beef filling ahead of time: Cook the seasoned beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.
Assemble and freeze: Build the quesadillas and freeze them uncooked. Simply cook straight from frozen for a quick meal.
Reheat well: Whether in a skillet, oven, or air fryer, they regain their crispy texture easily.
Portable: Great for lunchboxes or on-the-go meals since they don’t require utensils.

Conclusion

Cheesy beef quesadillas are the perfect combination of crispy, melty, and savory flavors, making them a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, a snack, or even party food, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With their customizable ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious taste, these quesadillas will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Serve them with your favorite toppings, pair them with a side of rice and beans, and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal today!

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