Introduction:
Craving Comfort Food? This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas is for You!
There’s something magical about biting into a crispy, golden quesadilla packed with melty cheese and savory ground beef. If your taste buds are calling for something easy, cheesy, and downright satisfying, Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are here to save dinner time.
These quesadillas are the ultimate weeknight solution — fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crew, this recipe checks every box: minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and no culinary degree required. And the best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ✅
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights
- ✅ Uses simple pantry staples – No fancy ingredients needed
- ✅ Easily customizable – Add peppers, mushrooms, or even avocado
- ✅ Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Everyone loves melty cheese!
- ✅ Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and reheat later
Ingredients You’ll Need 🧂🧀🥩
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey as a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or salsa (adds richness and tang)
- Optional: diced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor
For the Quesadillas:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 4–6 large flour tortillas
- 1–2 tbsp butter or oil for cooking
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro
🧀 Pro Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded due to the lack of anti-caking agents.
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
- Brown the Beef (8–10 minutes):
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. - Sauté Aromatics (2–3 minutes):
Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant. - Season It Up (1–2 minutes):
Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste (or salsa), and a splash of water. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened. - Assemble the Quesadillas:
Lay one tortilla flat. On one half, sprinkle a layer of cheese, followed by a scoop of the beef mixture, then more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half. - Cook Until Crispy (2–3 minutes per side):
Heat a bit of butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla until golden and crispy, flipping once. - Slice and Serve:
Cut into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes & Tips 📝
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze individually wrapped quesadillas for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat on a skillet for best texture, or microwave with a damp paper towel for 30–45 seconds.
Variations:
- 🌽 Add corn or black beans for a Southwestern twist.
- 🥬 Toss in spinach or zucchini for hidden veggies.
- 🌶️ Spice it up with chipotle or hot sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
---|---|---|---|
450 | 18g | 36g | 25g |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓✅
❓ Can I use a different protein?
✅ Yes! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even beans are great alternatives.
❓ Are these quesadillas freezer-friendly?
✅ Absolutely! Wrap them in foil and freeze individually for quick meals later.
❓ Can I make it vegetarian?
✅ Definitely – just swap the beef for black beans, mushrooms, or tofu.
❓ Why are my quesadillas soggy?
❌ You may be overfilling or using too much oil – go light for a crispy finish.
❓ Can I bake them instead of frying?
✅ Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
❓ What cheese works best?
✅ Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully.
Conclusion 🌯
These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a game-changer for quick, comforting dinners. Crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside — they bring big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making them for lunchboxes or lazy nights in, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Try them tonight and don’t forget to share your creations with us on Pinterest @Infinity Recipes!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate quick and comforting meal—loaded with seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for a family dinner or a late-night craving, this recipe is easy, fast, and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 quesadillas 1x
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
-
For the Quesadillas
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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6 large flour tortillas
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for pan-frying)
-
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Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
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Chopped cilantro
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Diced tomatoes
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Jalapeños
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Guacamole
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Sour cream
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Salsa or pico de gallo
-
Lime wedges
-
Instructions
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Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat. -
Add Onion and Garlic:
Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. -
Season the Meat:
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 1–2 minutes. -
Assemble the Quesadillas:
Lay out the tortillas. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a mix of both cheeses, then spoon the beef mixture on top. Add more cheese if desired. Fold the tortilla over. -
Cook the Quesadillas:
Heat a little oil or butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook the folded quesadillas 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy and cheese is melted. -
Serve:
Let rest for 1 minute before slicing. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Notes
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet for best texture or use an oven/toaster oven.
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Variations: Swap beef for chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version.
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Cheese Tip: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Quesadilla
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cheesy ground beef quesadillas, easy quesadilla recipe, beef quesadillas, 30-minute meal