Description
These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a quick and delicious meal perfect for any day. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is combined with a blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses, melted together inside warm flour tortillas. Pan-fried until golden and crispy, these quesadillas offer a flavorful, gooey filling with optional toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, and sour cream to customize your perfect bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
Cheese & Tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop sweetness and flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease for a less greasy filling.
- Season Beef: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning along with a splash of water. Simmer the mixture to thicken the sauce, about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat, sprinkle half of it with a layer of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. Spoon the beef mixture on top of the cheese, then add another layer of cheese over the beef. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Pan-Fry Quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean and add butter or oil. Heat over medium heat, then place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Let the cooked quesadilla rest for 1 minute to set, then slice into wedges. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.
Notes
- Use a spatula to press the quesadilla gently while frying to ensure even crispiness and melting.
- For a spicier version, add extra jalapeños inside the filling.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Flour tortillas can be swapped for whole wheat or gluten-free versions if desired.
