Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick meal or snack, these quesadillas are sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)

For Assembly:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Cheesy Beef Quesadillas takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Season: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in Extras: If using, stir in the black beans and corn. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Heat Tortillas: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
2. Add Filling: On one half of the tortilla, add a portion of the beef mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
3. Cook: Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 3: Serve

1. Cut and Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Cheesy Beef Quesadillas (per quesadilla, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	20g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal that combines savory beef and melting cheese in a crispy tortilla. Easy to make and customizable, these quesadillas are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. Enjoy this delightful recipe!