These Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food — crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory seasoned beef. Perfect for busy weeknights, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying meal. You can easily customize them with extra veggies or your favorite toppings, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • ¼ cup beef broth or water

  • 8 large flour tortillas (7-inch diameter)

  • 3 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)

• For Serving:

  • Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

2. Add garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

4. Add tomato paste and beef broth, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.

5. Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle shredded cheese on one half of each. Spread a layer of the beef mixture on top, then add more cheese. Fold the tortillas in half to close.

6. Heat a little olive oil in the skillet and cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese melts.

7. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 460

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 25g

• Sodium: 850mg

• Fiber: 3g

Why Choose Ground Beef Quesadillas?

Ground Beef Quesadillas offer a quick and tasty solution to those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. The ground beef is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and other spices, which infuses the meat with delicious layers of flavor. The addition of cheese ensures that each bite is creamy and satisfying, while the crispy tortilla shell adds the perfect crunch.

What makes these quesadillas even better is their versatility. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or jalapeños for added flavor and heat. You can also serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, making each bite customizable to your taste. It’s the perfect dish when you want something delicious and easy to make without compromising on flavor.

The Key Ingredients and Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Ground Beef Quesadillas is rich, savory, and slightly smoky, thanks to the combination of spices and seasonings. Here are the key ingredients:

• Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, ground beef is used to create a flavorful filling that’s juicy and tender. It pairs perfectly with the spices and cheese, making it the star of the quesadilla.

• Onion and Garlic: Onions add sweetness and depth to the beef filling, while garlic infuses the mixture with a savory aroma that enhances the overall flavor.

• Bell Pepper and Jalapeño: Adding bell pepper brings a subtle sweetness and crunch, while the jalapeño adds a touch of heat. These are optional, but they help elevate the dish with extra flavor and texture.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, and Spices: These spices create the warm, smoky, and savory base for the beef mixture. They’re the key to making this quesadilla filling irresistible.

• Tomato Paste and Beef Broth: Tomato paste adds a rich, umami flavor to the beef mixture, while the beef broth or water helps to thin out the paste and create a saucy consistency.

• Flour Tortillas and Cheese: The flour tortillas provide the soft and chewy base for the quesadillas, while the cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack) adds creaminess and melty goodness to the dish.

How to Make Ground Beef Quesadillas

Making Ground Beef Quesadillas is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s how you can create this delicious meal in no time:

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the meat is browned. Use a spoon to break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.

2. Add Garlic and Veggies:
   Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

3. Season the Beef:
   Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices cook for 1 minute to enhance their flavors.

4. Make the Sauce:
   Add the tomato paste and beef broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat.

5. Assemble the Quesadillas:
   Lay the flour tortillas flat and sprinkle shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla. Spread a layer of the beef mixture on top, then add more cheese. Fold the tortillas in half to close.

6. Cook the Quesadillas:
   Heat a little olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.

7. Serve:
   Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Quesadillas are a complete meal on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides to make the meal even more satisfying:

• With a Salad: Serve the quesadillas alongside a light green salad with a tangy dressing to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.

• With Rice and Beans: Pair the quesadillas with Mexican rice and refried beans for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

• With Extra Toppings: Customize the quesadillas with additional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lime for added freshness and flavor.

• As an Appetizer: If you’re serving these as an appetizer, cut the quesadillas into smaller wedges and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Nutritional Profile of Ground Beef Quesadillas

Each serving of Ground Beef Quesadillas provides approximately 460 calories, making it a satisfying meal. Here’s the breakdown of the macronutrients:

• Fat: The dish contains 25 grams of fat, with 10 grams of saturated fat. The fat content comes primarily from the ground beef and cheese, which contribute to the richness and flavor.

• Carbohydrates: With 30 grams of carbohydrates, this dish provides plenty of energy, mostly from the tortillas and the small amount of carbs in the vegetables.

• Protein: Each serving contains 25 grams of protein, thanks to the ground beef and cheese. This makes the dish filling and provides a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied.

• Sodium: The dish contains 850 mg of sodium, primarily from the soy sauce and other seasonings. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or adjusting the added salt.

• Fiber: There are 3 grams of fiber, mostly from the vegetables and tortillas, which helps with digestion and adds to the overall nutritional value of the dish.

Customization Options

This recipe is highly customizable to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Add More Veggies: You can easily add more vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or spinach, to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Make It Spicier: If you like more heat, add extra jalapeños, chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground meat. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ground Beef Quesadillas are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. They’re quick to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or any time you crave something comforting and delicious. With plenty of room for customization, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences, ensuring it’s a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as an appetizer, these quesadillas are sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!