Description
Mexican beef quesadillas bring zesty flavors from traditional Sonoran cuisine. Quick weeknight meals combine tender meat, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas for delicious family dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Cheese and Tortillas:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 2–3 jalapenos
Instructions
- Caramelize diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, crumbling and browning thoroughly while cooking.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, add a splash of water, and allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare a clean skillet with a light coating of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Carefully position one tortilla in the heated skillet, creating a foundational layer.
- Distribute a generous layer of shredded cheese across the tortilla’s surface.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle additional cheese to ensure complete coverage of the beef.
- Gently place a second tortilla on top, creating a complete quesadilla package.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla turns golden and crispy.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla, cooking the opposite side until equally golden and cheese is completely melted.
- Transfer to a cutting board and slice into triangular wedges.
- Serve immediately with accompaniments like fresh salsa, creamy sour cream, and zesty guacamole.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier quesadilla option.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
- Use whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix to elevate the flavor profile and add more complexity to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg