Ground Beef Quesadillas

Ground beef quesadillas are a quick, flavorful meal with perfectly seasoned beef and melted cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas. Ideal for busy weeknights or snacks, these quesadillas are simple to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup water or beef broth
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
4 large flour tortillas or tortillas of choice
Butter or oil for cooking
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
Pour in water or broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until liquid reduces and thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove beef mixture from skillet and set aside.
Wipe skillet clean if needed and heat over medium-low heat. Lightly butter one side of a tortilla.
Place tortilla butter-side-down in skillet. Sprinkle half of it with 1/2 cup cheese, then spread 1/4 of beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with another 1/2 cup cheese and fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until bottom is golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and cheese is melted.
Remove from skillet and keep warm. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Quick Tip: Lightly buttering the tortillas helps achieve perfectly crispy quesadillas with golden color. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Quesadillas

Use fresh spices for vibrant flavor in the beef filling.
Don’t overfill quesadillas to avoid breaking during flipping.
For a smoky touch, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
If you prefer heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Try different cheese blends—pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick.
Make ahead by cooking the beef filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve ground beef quesadillas with fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Mexican rice or black beans for a hearty dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead?

Yes! Corn tortillas work well though they are more fragile. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Add extra seasoning for flavor boost.

Can I bake quesadillas instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Can these be frozen?

Yes, freeze cooked quesadillas separated by parchment paper. Reheat in oven or toaster oven until crispy.