Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that is irresistibly comforting, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or family, this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with gooey, melty cheese all nestled inside warm, crispy tortillas. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and spices that will have you coming back for more. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Every item plays a crucial role, from the spices that bring warmth and depth to the tender ground beef, to the cheese that ensures melty goodness that holds the quesadilla together.

• Olive oil: Used to cook the beef evenly and add a mild fruity richness.
• Extra lean ground beef: The perfect protein base, lean enough to stay moist and flavorful.
• Chili powder: Adds a subtle smoky heat that complements the beef beautifully.
• Ground chipotle chili pepper: Brings a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
• Dried oregano: Offers an herbal aromatic note that balances the spices.
• Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of warmth to the filling.
• Garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
• Onion powder: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
• Ground cayenne pepper: Brings a bit of heat to awaken your taste buds.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and a slight tang to unify the beef mixture.
• Unsalted beef stock or broth: Keeps the filling juicy and flavorful.
• Shredded cheese blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella ensures stretchiness and sharp flavor.
• Flour tortillas: The warm, soft yet crispy shell that holds everything together perfectly.
• Vegetable oil: For greasing the pan to achieve a golden crispy exterior.
• Salsa, guacamole, sour cream: Classic toppings that add freshness, creaminess, and a touch of zing.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This might seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial for keeping your quesadillas warm and melty while you finish cooking all the batches. Trust me, this keeps the experience just as delicious as the first bite.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, chipotle chili, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. This spice blend transforms the beef into a flavorful masterpiece that anchors the whole dish.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Broth

Incorporate tomato paste and beef stock into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry and thicken slightly. Take the beef mixture off the heat and transfer it to a bowl, draining any excess grease if necessary to keep the quesadillas from getting soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out your tortillas and sprinkle about 2 cups (8 ounces) of your shredded cheese blend on one half of each tortilla. Then evenly distribute the warm beef mixture over the cheese, followed by a final layer of 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheese on top. The cheese on both sides acts like glue, making sure everything stays perfectly tucked inside. Fold the tortillas in half to create that classic quesadilla shape.

Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas

Heat about 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Place two quesadillas at a time into the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes on one side until golden and crisp. Flip gently and cook for another 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the other side is equally golden. Adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning. This part is where the magic happens—the crisp exterior combined with melted cheesy filling is pure bliss.

Step 6: Keep Warm and Repeat

Transfer the cooked quesadillas to the heated oven to keep them warm while you cook the remaining batches. Wipe the pan clean between batches and add more oil if necessary. This ensures every quesadilla comes out just as perfect as the first.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all are cooked, slice each quesadilla in half creating 12 pieces total. Serve immediately with your favorite salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe shines brightest when enjoyed right away, hot and bursting with melty cheese and bold beefy flavors.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your quesadillas, add fresh garnishes that complement the richness. Finely chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice bring brightness and a bit of zing. Dollops of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream add creamy, tangy, and refreshing counterpoints to the cheesy, savory filling.

Side Dishes

Looking to round out your meal? A simple mixed green salad or some lightly spiced Mexican rice pairs beautifully without overpowering your quesadillas. Refried beans or a fresh corn salad add texture and color, helping to make the meal more balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the quesadilla halves stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of different salsas and dips. Garnish the platter with fresh avocado slices and lime wedges to add vibrancy. For a party, arrange bite-sized quesadilla triangles on a platter with toothpicks—these are great finger foods that disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked quesadillas for up to 2 months. Wrap each individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight or reheat directly from frozen for a convenient quick meal later on.

Reheating

To keep the quesadillas crisp, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side instead of the microwave. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and perfectly crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella create a wonderful blend, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for more heat or a smoky smoked gouda for a twist. The key is choosing cheeses that melt well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for seasoned sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Keep the spices and cheese the same for that familiar flavor.

How spicy is this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe?

The recipe has a moderate spice level thanks to the chili powders and cayenne. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper based on your preference.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

You can, but be aware that corn tortillas tend to be smaller and more fragile, so they may require careful handling and possibly double stacking to hold the filling well. Flour tortillas are best for that sturdy quesadilla structure.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy quesadillas?

Drain any excess grease from the cooked beef mixture and avoid overfilling the tortillas. Also, cooking them over medium-low heat helps the tortillas get crispy without burning, which keeps sogginess at bay.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe is a fantastic go-to meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug and as satisfying as your favorite homemade dinner. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing. Don’t wait to try making these quesadillas at home—they have a way of bringing people together with every delicious, cheesy bite!

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

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3.8 from 61 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings (6 quesadillas cut in halves) 1x

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Description

These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef and a gooey cheese blend folded into warm flour tortillas, pan-cooked to crispy golden perfection. Served with classic toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, they make an easy and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Filling

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted beef stock or broth (or low sodium/regular)

Quesadillas

• 12 ounces (about 3 cups) shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pizza mozzarella preferred)
• 6 flour tortillas (7 to 8 inches in diameter each)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (about 2 teaspoons per batch, to grease pan)

Serving Suggestions

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the cooked quesadillas warm while you prepare the rest.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add ground beef along with chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Break the meat into small pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 8–10 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock or broth. Let the mixture cook for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors, then transfer the beef mixture to a bowl. Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary.
4. Assemble Quesadillas: Evenly distribute about 8 ounces (2 cups) of the shredded cheese onto one side of each tortilla. Layer the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining 4 ounces (1 cup) of cheese. Fold the tortillas over to form a half-moon shape.
5. Cook the Quesadillas: Heat approximately 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Place two quesadillas in the pan at a time. Cook each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
6. Keep Warm and Repeat: Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a sheet pan and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm. Wipe out the pan before cooking remaining batches, adding more oil as necessary.
7. Serve: Once all quesadillas are cooked, cut each one in half to yield 12 pieces total. Serve warm alongside salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. Enjoy!
8. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute the cheese blend with your preferred cheeses such as Monterey Jack and mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Adjust the spices to taste, especially the cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat.
• Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content better.
• Ensure the pan temperature is medium-low to prevent burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.
• Leftover quesadillas freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican