Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

Beef quesadillas are a delicious, flavorful meal that combines seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas for a bite that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack for a family gathering, beef quesadillas are always a hit. They’re versatile, easy to customize, and can be served with a variety of tasty sides or dips.

This recipe highlights the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and peppers, all melted into a perfectly crispy tortilla. You can also add your favorite ingredients, such as beans, corn, or avocado, to personalize your quesadilla.

Quesadillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and beef quesadillas, in particular, are loved for their hearty filling and crunchy exterior. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality beef quesadillas at home. The key to the perfect quesadilla is ensuring a balanced filling and ensuring the tortilla reaches that crispy, golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love Beef Quesadillas

• Quick and Easy to Make: Beef quesadillas are simple and quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a mild or spicy filling, you can easily adjust the seasoning and ingredients to match your taste. Add extra veggies, beans, or even some jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Quesadillas are great for all ages. They are easy to hold and eat, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Beef quesadillas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later. You can even freeze them for a quick meal down the road.
• Comfort Food: With the crispy tortillas and warm, melty cheese, beef quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food. They’re satisfying and full of flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-500 calories per serving (depending on ingredients)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 2-4g

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (for deglazing)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for added richness)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth of flavor)

For the Quesadillas:

• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch or 10-inch)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
• Salsa or pico de gallo (for serving)
• Guacamole (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent it from burning. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking the beef for about 6-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked.

As the beef cooks, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices, allowing the flavors to meld together. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for added richness and depth of flavor.

Once the beef is fully cooked, pour in the beef broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and the beef mixture becomes more flavorful.

2. Prepare the Tortillas

While the beef mixture is simmering, you can begin preparing the tortillas. Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one tortilla on the skillet and heat for about 30 seconds on each side, just until it becomes warm and slightly crispy. You do not want it to be fully crisp at this point, just enough to help the cheese melt later. Repeat with all of the tortillas, stacking them on a plate once they are warmed.

Alternatively, you can use store-bought tortillas that are already soft and pliable, and just warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas

Once your beef filling is ready, you can start assembling the quesadillas. Place one tortilla on a clean surface or plate. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill it, as it may be harder to fold and cook evenly.

Next, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese (or the cheese of your choice) on top of the beef. For extra cheesiness, add a bit of the Mexican cheese blend as well. The cheese will help bind everything together when the quesadilla cooks.

4. Cook the Quesadillas

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. Once hot, place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet, folding the tortilla in half over the beef and cheese filling.

Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula to ensure the tortilla becomes golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn the tortilla; adjust the heat as needed. You can also cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt more thoroughly.

Flip the quesadilla carefully and cook the other side until it’s golden brown and crispy as well. Once both sides are cooked to perfection, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board.

5. Cut and Serve

Allow the quesadilla to cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.

For a fun twist, try serving the quesadillas with a side of Mexican street corn, refried beans, or a fresh salad. They also pair wonderfully with a cold drink, like a margarita or iced tea.

Tips for Perfect Beef Quesadillas

• Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh flour tortillas will give your quesadillas a soft, pliable texture. You can also use corn tortillas for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to load up the quesadilla with too much filling, but it’s important to leave enough space around the edges for a nice crispy finish. Overfilled quesadillas may fall apart while cooking.
• Use a Nonstick Pan: A nonstick pan will make it easier to flip the quesadillas without losing the filling. Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet for a nice even cook.
• Customizable Fillings: Beef quesadillas are easily customizable. Add beans, corn, or diced tomatoes to the filling to create your own flavor profile. For some heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just warm it up before assembling your quesadillas.

Variations of Beef Quesadillas

• Beef and Mushroom Quesadillas: For a deeper, earthy flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the beef filling. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with beef and add a nice texture to the quesadilla.
• Spicy Beef Quesadillas: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture to give your quesadilla a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Quesadillas: Swap the beef for beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu to create a delicious vegetarian version of the quesadilla. You can also use cheese as the primary filling for a simple yet satisfying option.
• BBQ Beef Quesadillas: For a smoky, tangy twist, add some barbecue sauce to the beef mixture. This variation is perfect for using up leftover BBQ beef.
• Beef and Avocado Quesadillas: Add slices of fresh avocado to the quesadilla for a creamy texture that complements the beef perfectly.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftover beef quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to retain their crispy texture. For long-term storage, beef quesadillas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Quesadillas

Beef quesadillas pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Some of the best sides include:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This cheesy, tangy corn on the cob is a fantastic side to serve with quesadillas.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans complement the crispy quesadilla and add a filling element to the meal.
• Guacamole and Chips: A bowl of fresh guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips is a perfect pairing.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa adds a refreshing and zesty contrast to the rich beef filling.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice rounds out the meal and balances the flavors.

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Conclusion

Beef quesadillas are an easy, flavorful dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack for a get-together, they never disappoint. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas is always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more.