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Ground Beef Quesadillas

Delicious and crispy ground beef quesadillas filled with cheese and customizable toppings, perfect for any meal in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for less fat.
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Quesadillas
  • 4 large flour tortillas Can substitute with corn tortillas if preferred.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) Use your favorite cheese.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For frying the quesadillas.
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, green onions

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Remove the skillet from heat.
Assembly and Cooking
  1. Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese on one half of the tortilla. Spoon 1/4 of the beef mixture over the cheese and top with another 1/2 cup of cheese. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
  2. In the same skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  3. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and allow them to cool for a minute. Slice into wedges and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For the perfect quesadilla, keep the heat on medium to avoid burning. You can add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the beef mixture for a healthier twist.