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A tall stack of four folded and cut Cheesy Beef Quesadillas showing the ground beef and melted cheddar cheese filling.

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

These cheesy beef quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. They are a family favorite that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Warming Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 tortillas
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 227

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef extra lean recommended
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons beef stock or broth low sodium or regular
For the Quesadillas
  • 12 ounces shredded cheese blend divided (about 3 cups total)
  • 6 flour tortillas about 7 to 8 inches in diameter each
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for greasing pan, about 2 teaspoons per batch
For Serving (Optional)
  • salsa
  • guacamole
  • sour cream

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large non-stick frying pan
  • Bowl
  • Sheet pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the quesadillas warm as you cook them.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chili powder, chipotle pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, breaking the beef into small pieces, until it is fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove the beef mixture from the pan and place it in a bowl. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Spread about 8 ounces (2 cups) of the shredded cheese evenly over one side of each tortilla. Top the cheese with the cooked ground beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces (1 cup) of cheese over the beef. Fold each tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
  5. Heat about 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Swirl the oil to coat the pan.
  6. Cook two quesadillas at a time for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Add more oil between batches as needed.
  7. Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a sheet pan and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining quesadillas.
  8. Once all quesadillas are cooked, cut each one in half. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 16gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 443mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 326IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 211mgIron: 2mg

Notes

If you have any leftover quesadillas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
You can substitute the seasoning with your favorite homemade taco seasoning blend.

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