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Cheesy Beef Quesadillas Recipe

4.5 from 63 reviews

This Cheesy Beef Quesadillas recipe is a quick and delicious meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and optional black beans and corn, all wrapped in crispy golden tortillas. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, these quesadillas come together in just 20 minutes using simple stovetop techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1/2 cup cooked black beans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup corn (optional)

For Assembly:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Salsa (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, mix in the black beans and corn, then remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Heat a little olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet, then add a portion of the beef mixture on one half of the tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
  3. Cook the Quesadillas: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  4. Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Cut into wedges and serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • You can customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
  • Use more or less cheese depending on your preference for cheesiness.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the beef and use extra black beans and vegetables instead.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; quesadillas can get soggy if left sitting for too long.
  • Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: cheesy beef quesadillas, ground beef quesadillas, easy quesadillas recipe, Mexican quesadillas, skillet quesadillas