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Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Quick and delicious cheesy ground beef quesadillas featuring perfectly seasoned lean ground beef, a melty blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and warm flour tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, this budget-friendly, family-loved meal brings a comforting, bold flavor and crispy texture perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Quesadillas

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • Butter or olive oil for cooking

Optional Extras

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced jalapeños
  • Diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and stir briefly. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat and evenly spread a generous layer of shredded cheese on one half. Spoon a portion of the cooked ground beef over the cheese, then sprinkle an additional layer of cheese on top to help it stick. Fold the tortilla in half to form a half-moon shape.
  3. Cook Until Crispy and Melted: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove and let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

  • Don’t overstuff quesadillas to avoid tearing and uneven cooking.
  • Cook on medium heat for crispy tortillas and melted cheese without burning.
  • Press gently with a spatula while cooking for even browning.
  • Allow quesadillas to rest briefly before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Choose cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for optimal melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: quesadillas, ground beef, cheesy, quick meal, Mexican, snack, easy dinner