Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

If you’re looking for a quick, savory, and cheesy dinner, this Cheesy Beef Quesadillas recipe is the answer. With seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla shell, it’s a delicious meal that takes only 20 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe serves up to 4 people and will leave everyone satisfied. Here’s how to make these easy, cheesy quesadillas!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce, with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 4 ½ cups Colby jack cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is no longer pink. Drain the grease and return the beef to the skillet.
  2. Continue to cook the beef until browned. Add the garlic paste, onion powder, salt, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
  3. In a separate large skillet over medium-low heat, add ½ tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt.
  4. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Add a layer of cheese, followed by the beef mixture, and then more cheese. Place another tortilla on top and spread butter over the top tortilla.
  5. Flip the quesadilla over and continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Repeat the process for each quesadilla, using the remaining ingredients.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

  • Serve Cheesy Beef Quesadillas with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
  • Pair them with a fresh salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
  • For a fun twist, serve them with a variety of hot sauces to cater to different spice preferences.

Storage Tips:

  • Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
  • For freezing, wrap the quesadillas tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a skillet or microwave.

Variations

  1. Chicken Quesadillas:
    Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter, yet equally delicious variation. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own.
  2. Vegetarian Quesadillas:
    Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
  3. Spicy Beef Quesadillas:
    For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some hot sauce over the filling before adding the top tortilla.
  4. Cheese Variations:
    Swap the Colby Jack cheese for other types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
  5. BBQ Beef Quesadillas:
    Add a tablespoon or two of barbecue sauce to the beef mixture for a smoky and sweet flavor profile. Top with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce before serving.
  6. Taco Beef Quesadillas:
    Use taco seasoning instead of the garlic paste, onion powder, and tomato sauce for a more traditional taco-flavored quesadilla. Top with salsa and shredded lettuce.
  7. Buffalo Beef Quesadillas:
    For a buffalo-style quesadilla, mix the cooked beef with buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing.
  8. Breakfast Quesadillas:
    Add scrambled eggs and crumbled breakfast sausage to the beef mixture for a hearty breakfast quesadilla. Top with a little extra cheese and serve with salsa.
  9. Southwestern Quesadillas:
    Mix in some roasted green chilies, black beans, and corn to the beef mixture to give it a Southwestern twist. You can also add cilantro for extra freshness.
  10. Quesadilla with Avocado:
    Add sliced avocado inside the quesadilla for extra creaminess and flavor. You can also add a bit of lime juice and fresh cilantro for a zesty touch.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
    Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. It will provide a lighter option with a similar texture. Just be sure to season it well to enhance the flavor.
  2. Can I make these quesadillas in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the quesadillas, assemble them and cook as instructed.
  3. Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Quesadillas?
    Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled quesadillas before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw and then pan-fry.
  4. How do I make the quesadillas crispy?
    To get a crispy exterior, make sure to use a bit of butter or oil in the skillet and cook the quesadillas over medium-low heat. Flip carefully to avoid burning the tortilla while the cheese melts.
  5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Yes! Feel free to swap Colby Jack cheese for other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. You can also mix multiple cheeses for a more complex flavor.
  6. Can I make these quesadillas spicier?
    Yes, you can add extra heat by including diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle chili powder on the inside of the tortillas for added spice.
  7. What can I serve with Cheesy Beef Quesadillas?
    Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or Mexican rice for a complete meal. A fresh salad or crispy tortilla chips also pair wonderfully.
  8. How do I store leftovers?
    Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave to enjoy again.
  9. Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
    Yes! You can replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even beans to make a vegetarian-friendly quesadilla.
  10. Can I use smaller tortillas?
    Yes, you can use smaller tortillas, such as 8-inch ones, and adjust the amount of filling accordingly. These will make individual-sized quesadillas, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

These Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight meal or for a casual gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and flavorful quesadillas!

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Cheesy Beef Quesadillas


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

 

If you’re looking for a quick, savory, and cheesy dinner, this Cheesy Beef Quesadillas recipe is the answer. With seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla shell, it’s a delicious meal that takes only 20 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe serves up to 4 people and will leave everyone satisfied. Here’s how to make these easy, cheesy quesadillas!


Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce, with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 4 ½ cups Colby jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is no longer pink. Drain the grease and return the beef to the skillet.
  • Continue to cook the beef until browned. Add the garlic paste, onion powder, salt, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
  • In a separate large skillet over medium-low heat, add ½ tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt.
  • Place a tortilla in the skillet. Add a layer of cheese, followed by the beef mixture, and then more cheese. Place another tortilla on top and spread butter over the top tortilla.
  • Flip the quesadilla over and continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
  • Repeat the process for each quesadilla, using the remaining ingredients.

Notes

Serving Tips:

  • Serve Cheesy Beef Quesadillas with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
  • Pair them with a fresh salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
  • For a fun twist, serve them with a variety of hot sauces to cater to different spice preferences.

Storage Tips:

  • Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, place the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
  • For freezing, wrap the quesadillas tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a skillet or microwave.