Description
Savory beef quesadillas combine Mexican culinary traditions with simple, hearty ingredients. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crispy tortillas create a quick meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
- 1/4 cup water
Cooking and Serving Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapenos
- Onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef for 5-7 minutes until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease thoroughly.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and water into the beef, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Position a tortilla on a clean surface, then generously distribute shredded cheese across one half of the tortilla.
- Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the cheese layer, then sprinkle additional cheese on top of the meat.
- Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape that encases the filling.
- Warm a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat, ensuring an even coating.
- Gently place the folded quesadilla into the heated skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden and crispy.
- Verify the cheese has fully melted and the tortilla achieves a satisfying crunch.
- Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and slice into triangular wedges.
- Serve immediately alongside classic accompaniments like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning or using a homemade blend for more personalized flavor.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan for even browning and easier flipping of quesadillas.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for added depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg