Savory Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
Savory Beef and Cheese Quesadillas! Packed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for an extra treat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling (10 minutes) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas (5 minutes) Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on one half. Add 1/4 cup of the beef mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese on top, then fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Press gently with a spatula.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas (10 minutes) Spread a small amount of butter on the top of the folded tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy, then flip carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding more butter as needed.
Step 4: Serve (2 minutes) Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot. Add optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad. A cold beverage like iced tea or a light beer complements the spices.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Melt: Use a mix of cheeses for varied flavor (e.g., cheddar and Monterey Jack).
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.
- Tortilla Size: Medium tortillas work best; large ones may need more filling.
- Variation: Add diced bell peppers or black beans to the beef mixture.