Here’s a simple and delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas recipe that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas is a winner!
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water (if using taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and water (if using a packet) to the meat. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened and well-seasoned. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface.
- On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, followed by a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Top with a little more cheese for extra meltiness.
- Cook the Quesadillas:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter to coat the surface.
- Carefully fold each tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape, pressing down slightly to seal.
- Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted inside. You can press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Serve:
- Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting into wedges.
- Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Tips
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook the quesadillas when ready to serve.