CHEESY GROUND BEEF QUESADILLAS
When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat the simplicity and deliciousness of a quesadilla. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight: Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas. These quesadillas are loaded with well-seasoned ground beef and a generous amount of gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly crispy tortilla. Trust us, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of cheesy, savory, and quick-to-make dishes, this recipe is a no-brainer. Not only are these quesadillas incredibly flavorful, but they’re also versatile and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these quesadillas will not disappoint.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick pan
- Wooden spoon
- Oven
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder (optional, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted beef stock
- 12 ounces shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pizza mozzarella)
- 6 flour tortillas (7 to 8 inches in diameter)
- Cooking spray or oil (to grease pan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep the quesadillas warm while cooking in batches.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add ground beef along with chili powder, chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and drain any excess grease.
- Distribute 8 ounces (or 2 cups) of cheese across one side of each tortilla. Reserve the remaining 4 ounces (or 1 cup) of cheese.
- Top the cheese with the cooked ground beef, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Fold each tortilla in half to form a half-moon shape.
- In batches, spray your pan with cooking spray and cook each quesadilla over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Keep cooked quesadillas warm in the oven while finishing the rest.
- Cut each quesadilla into halves and serve with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tortillas with oil before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, don’t hold back on the cayenne pepper.
Additional Tips or Variations
Consider adding sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 25g | Carbohydrates: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Assemble and cook the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
No worries! You can use a taco seasoning mix as a substitute if you’re missing any spices.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a delightful and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to make and incredibly tasty, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. Happy cooking!