Description
Cheesy ground beef quesadillas combine Mexican-inspired flavors with melted cheese and seasoned meat. Simple ingredients create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) diced onion
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, crumbling and browning thoroughly, then carefully drain any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning with a small amount of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Position a tortilla on a clean work surface, strategically distributing shredded cheese across one half of the tortilla.
- Layer the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese, then generously top with additional cheese to ensure maximum melting potential.
- Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shaped pocket of savory goodness.
- Place the quesadilla in a preheated skillet over medium heat, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully melted interior.
- Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling to create multiple quesadillas.
- Slice each quesadilla into triangular wedges and serve immediately with preferred garnishes like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning by swapping taco mix for homemade blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a personalized flavor profile.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that provides delightful crunch.
- Choose high-quality, melting cheeses like monterey jack or cheddar for maximum gooey texture and rich, creamy taste that enhances overall dish satisfaction.
- Experiment with protein alternatives like shredded chicken, pulled pork, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and create versatile meal options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg