Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these quesadillas combine savory ground beef, a blend of cheeses, and warm, crispy tortillas. The flavorful beef is seasoned with a combination of chili powder, oregano, and chipotle chili pepper, giving the dish a spicy kick, while the melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella provide the ultimate cheesy goodness. Whether you bake or pan-fry these quesadillas, they’ll turn out golden and crispy, with a gooey, melted interior. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

• Shallot: 1, finely chopped
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Ground beef: 450g (extra lean)
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
• Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon
• Ground chipotle chili pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
• Onion powder: ½ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional, to taste)
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Beef stock/broth: 2 tablespoons
• Fresh coriander: Optional, for garnish

For the Quesadillas:

• Cheddar cheese: 85g, shredded
• Monterey Jack cheese: 85g, shredded
• Mozzarella cheese: 85g, shredded
• Flour tortillas: 6
• Olive oil: For brushing, if baking

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the shallot: Add the finely chopped shallot to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the ground beef: Break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks in the skillet. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to brown evenly. This should take about 8-10 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through.
4. Season the beef: Once the beef is cooked, season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Then, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of ground chipotle chili pepper, ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper (optional). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of beef broth. Mix until the beef is well coated with the tomato paste and broth, which will give it a rich and slightly saucy texture.
6. Set aside: Remove the skillet from heat and set the beef mixture aside. Optionally, you can stir in some freshly chopped coriander for an added layer of flavor and freshness.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Combine the cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix 85g each of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and mozzarella cheese. This combination of cheeses will provide a rich, gooey filling for the quesadillas.
2. Prepare the tortillas: Lay one flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a portion of the cooked beef mixture evenly over half of the tortilla, leaving the other half empty for folding.
3. Add the cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of the shredded cheese mixture over the beef, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Fold the tortilla: Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to flatten and seal the filling inside.
5. Repeat: Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

You have two cooking options: baking or pan-frying.

Option 1: Baking the Quesadillas

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush the quesadillas with olive oil on both sides to help them crisp up in the oven.
3. Bake: Arrange the quesadillas on the baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Option 2: Pan-frying the Quesadillas

1. Heat a skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the quesadillas: Place the assembled quesadillas in the skillet, one or two at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese has melted.

Step 4: Serve the Quesadillas

1. Slice and serve: Once the quesadillas are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest for a minute, then slice them into wedges.
2. Garnish and serve: Serve the quesadillas hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Cooking Tips

• Customize the spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chipotle chili pepper according to your spice preference. If you like it spicier, add more; if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the cayenne altogether.
• Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack or Colby Jack would be great alternatives if you want to switch up the flavor.
• Cooking option: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, bake the quesadillas instead of pan-frying. Baking ensures that the quesadillas are still crispy without the need for extra oil.
• Add-ins: You can add additional fillings like sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even some refried beans to make the quesadillas heartier.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Calcium: 250 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   • Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used instead of ground beef. Just adjust the seasoning to match the meat you’re using.
2. Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?
   • You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat, and cook them fresh for the best results.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a skillet or oven until warmed through and crispy again.
4. Can I freeze the quesadillas?
   • Yes, you can freeze assembled quesadillas before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake or pan-fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. What other toppings can I serve with quesadillas?
   • In addition to sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, you can serve quesadillas with pico de gallo, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are the perfect comfort food, packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, they make a fantastic meal that’s both quick and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit. Serve them with fresh toppings and sides for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. You can also easily customize the spice level and add other fillings to suit your taste. Enjoy!