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Quick Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

quick cheesy ground beef quesadillas - featured image

A quick and easy 15-minute dinner featuring melty cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch / 25cm)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Warm for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another minute.
  5. Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup (25g) shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Spoon a generous layer of the cooked beef mixture on top, then add another 1/4 cup cheese over the beef. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon.
  6. Wipe out the skillet and heat again over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil or butter. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside melts.
  7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream or salsa.

Notes

Use medium heat to avoid burning the tortilla while ensuring cheese melts. Cook one quesadilla at a time for best results. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas carefully. Dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, cheesy quesadillas, ground beef, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Mexican food