Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory seasoned meat, these Ground Beef Quesadillas are a go-to dinner or snack that’s always a hit. Golden tortillas are filled with spiced ground beef and gooey melted cheese, then pan-fried to perfection. Perfect for weeknight meals, game-day munchies, or quick lunches, this classic quesadilla recipe is customizable, freezer-friendly, and ridiculously easy to make.
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Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup salsa or tomato sauce (optional, for added moisture and flavor)
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Quesadillas:
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1–2 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa or pico de gallo
Jalapeño slices
Hot sauce
Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
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Drain any excess fat, then stir in onion and garlic.
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Cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in salsa or tomato sauce (if using), and simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro if desired.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
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Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface.
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On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
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Spoon ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese.
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Top with more cheese, then fold the tortilla in half to close.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
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Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with a little butter or oil.
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Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet (one or two at a time).
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute before slicing.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
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Slice each quesadilla into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces.
Notes
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and has more flavor.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling makes them hard to flip and can get messy.
Cook on Medium Heat – Prevents burning while giving the cheese time to melt.
Let Rest Before Slicing – Keeps the cheese from oozing out immediately.
Freeze for Later – Wrap cooked quesadillas in foil and freeze; reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex