Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
divided
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion
finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper
diced, optional
- 1 small jalapeño
seeded and finely diced, optional
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 8 large flour tortillas
7-inch diameter
- 3 cups shredded cheese
Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack
- Salsa
guacamole, sour cream, etc., for serving
Directions
- 1
Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- 2
Add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid has cooked off. Remove from the pot from the heat.
- 4
Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over half of each tortilla. Spread a layer of ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle another layer of shredded cheese on top of the ground beef.
- 5
Fold the tortillas in half to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese.
- 6
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and return to medium heat. Add the remaining oil and cook two quesadillas at a time (if they fit). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the bottom turns golden. Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- 7
If needed, keep cooked quesadillas in a warm oven (200°F) until all the tortillas are cooked.
- 8
Let the quesadillas rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving hot. Enjoy!
Ground Beef Quesadillas
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About this Recipe
Craving a quick, satisfying meal that delivers crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and incredibly flavorful seasoned meat? These Ground Beef Quesadillas are your answer, perfect for transforming busy weeknights into a delicious fiesta.
What makes these quesadillas truly shine is the richly seasoned ground beef filling, enhanced by a thoughtful blend of chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. This robust flavor profile sets them apart, ensuring every bite is packed with savory depth. Paired with plenty of melted cheese, you get that irresistible combination of texture and taste that makes quesadillas a beloved comfort food.
Prepare for a symphony of textures: perfectly crisped flour tortillas encasing a hearty, well-spiced ground beef mixture and generously melted cheese. The optional red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, while a hint of jalapeño provides a subtle warmth without overwhelming the dish. This satisfying meal is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, making it an ideal choice for home cooks looking for big flavor with minimal fuss.
Customization & Serving
Easily adapt these Ground Beef Quesadillas to your pantry or preference. For a milder experience, simply omit the jalapeño. To boost the vegetable content, consider adding other diced vegetables like corn or black beans alongside the bell pepper. You can also experiment with different cheese blends—while a Mexican blend is classic, sharp cheddar or creamy Monterey Jack are fantastic alternatives.
These savory quesadillas are ideal for a relaxed family dinner, a casual lunch, or even a fun appetizer to share. Serve them hot with your favorite vibrant salsa, a cool dollop of sour cream, and creamy guacamole for the ultimate, complete experience.