1. Prepare the Quesadilla Filling

Start by cooking your protein. If you’re using chicken, you can either cook it yourself or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Simply shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. For ground beef, cook it in a pan over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You can also use black beans for a vegetarian version of the quesadillas.

Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. If you like a little spice, you can also add chopped jalapeños at this point.

Once the vegetables are softened, add your protein (chicken, beef, or beans) to the skillet along with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

If you’re using corn or black beans, add them to the skillet along with the protein mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed and heated through. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a couple of tablespoons of salsa or enchilada sauce to the mixture. This step is optional but highly recommended for a more flavorful filling.

2. Assemble the Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

To begin assembling the quesadillas, lay out four flour tortillas on the sheet pan, making sure they slightly overlap in the center. This will create a large surface area for the quesadilla filling. If necessary, cut the tortillas in half to fit the edges of the pan.

Evenly distribute the prepared filling over the tortillas. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the filling. The cheese will help hold everything together and create that beautiful melted, gooey texture that makes quesadillas so irresistible.

Once the filling is spread out, take the remaining tortillas and lay them on top, making sure they cover the filling completely. You may need to press the tortillas down gently to ensure everything is sealed inside.

3. Brush with Butter or Cooking Spray

To get a beautifully golden and crispy finish on the top of the quesadillas, brush the tops of the tortillas with melted butter or spray them lightly with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up in the oven while adding a rich flavor.

4. Bake the Quesadillas

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the quesadillas for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Once the quesadillas are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

5. Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet pan quesadillas into squares or wedges, depending on your preference. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings and sides, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a side salad.