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Cheesy Beef Quesadillas Recipe

4.8 from 98 reviews

This Cheesy Beef Quesadillas recipe delivers a quick and flavorful meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and optional black beans and corn, all folded inside warm, crispy flour tortillas. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a tasty snack, these quesadillas combine simple ingredients with straightforward cooking methods to create a comforting Tex-Mex favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1/2 cup cooked black beans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup corn (optional)

For Assembly:

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Salsa (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Then add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant. If using, mix in the black beans and corn. Remove the skillet from heat and set the filling aside.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas: In the same skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, add a portion of the beef filling and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  3. Serve: Remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Cut into wedges and serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
  • Feel free to customize the cheese blend or add jalapeños for extra heat.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the beef and increase the black beans and corn quantities or add sautéed vegetables.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free variation.
  • Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture retention.

Keywords: cheesy beef quesadillas, ground beef quesadillas, easy quesadillas, Tex-Mex recipe, quick dinner