Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Cheesy ground beef quesadillas always remind me of late-night movie marathons when we wanted something fast easy and way more satisfying than popcorn so I’d head to the kitchen toss a few things in a skillet and 15 minutes later we’d have crispy golden quesadillas loaded with melty cheese and juicy beef ready to devour in front of the TV.

They’ve since become my go-to when I want something comforting without too much effort because the ingredients are simple but the flavor is rich and satisfying and nothing beats that first crunchy cheesy bite especially when it’s dipped in cool sour cream or spicy salsa.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – The flavorful and hearty filling that makes each bite rich and satisfying.
• Taco seasoning – Infuses the beef with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
• Flour tortillas – Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside once toasted.
• Shredded cheese – Melts into gooey layers and pulls everything together.
• Olive oil – Helps crisp up the tortillas without burning.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and texture to the beef mixture.
• Garlic – Boosts the savory notes in the filling.
• Sour cream – Ideal for dipping or spreading inside for a creamy touch.
• Fresh parsley or cilantro – A fresh garnish that brightens the whole dish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – To cook the beef and crisp the quesadillas evenly.
• Spatula – Great for flipping quesadillas without making a mess.
• Knife – For dicing onions and chopping herbs.
• Cutting board – A clean surface for prepping all your ingredients.
• Cheese grater – If you’re using block cheese for better melt quality.
• Mixing spoon – To stir and combine the beef filling thoroughly.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks then I add diced onions and garlic and sauté for another few minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 2:

I stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so all those spices really soak into the beef then I set it aside to cool slightly before assembling.

Step 3:

Next I warm a clean skillet over medium heat and lightly oil one side of a flour tortilla then I place it oil-side down in the skillet and add a layer of shredded cheese followed by the seasoned beef mixture and a bit more cheese on top for that extra melt.

Step 4:

I top it with another tortilla oil-side up and cook it for a few minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy then I carefully flip it with a spatula and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 5:

Once it’s done I remove the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it sit for a minute before slicing it into wedges which helps the cheese stay in place and keeps everything neat.

Step 6:

I serve it hot with sour cream salsa or guacamole and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a colorful finish.

Tips

If I’m feeding a crowd I like to prep the beef ahead of time and just assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh. For extra flavor I sometimes add a few jalapeño slices or a spoonful of pico de gallo inside. And if you’re short on time using store-bought taco seasoning works perfectly!

Ways to Serve

These quesadillas go great with a side of Mexican rice or corn salad. I also like pairing them with chips and salsa or a bowl of black beans for a fuller meal. They’re even amazing as an appetizer for game day or parties just cut them smaller and stack them on a platter!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas for Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas?

Yes but they’re smaller and a bit more delicate so you might want to make them single-layer or double up.

Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas in advance?

They’re best fresh but you can prep the filling ahead and reheat assembled quesadillas in the oven or skillet.

What cheese melts best in Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas?

I like using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a good combo of melt and flavor.

Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas?

Yes let them cool completely wrap tightly and reheat in a skillet or oven to bring back the crispiness.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these cheesy ground beef quesadillas a try! They’re one of the easiest most satisfying meals I make and always a hit with friends and family. Let me know how yours turn out and feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins!

Happy Cooking!

Print