Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see our affiliate disclosure.

---

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup roughly chopped spinach (or baby kale)
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro (optional)
• 4 teaspoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 8 8-inch flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded havarti cheese
• Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges (to serve)

Product Spotlight

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the Beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and brown the beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it is all browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Turn it into a colander to drain, and carefully wipe out the skillet.

• Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the vegetable or olive oil. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 minutes until the onion starts to soften. Add the tomato paste, spinach, garlic, and chili powder and stir for another minute until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined. Return the beef to the skillet and stir until everything is blended. Stir in the cilantro if using, turn the mixture into a bowl, and wash and dry the skillet (or grab a new skillet).

• Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Quesadillas. Combine the cheddar and havarti in a bowl. Place the skillet over medium heat and add a half teaspoon of butter. Place a tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over half of the quesadilla, and distribute 1/8 of the beef mixture over the cheese. Top that with another 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese. Flip the bare half of the tortilla over the filling, cover the pan, and sauté for about 2 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese has started to melt, then use a spatula to flip the half-moon quesadilla and continue to cook, uncovered, until all of the cheese is melted and the underside is browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

• Step 4: Serve and Enjoy! Remove the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it sit for a minute before you slice it into 2 or 3 wedges. Repeat until all of the quesadillas are cooked. Serve with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of meat? 

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken would work well as substitutes for ground beef. Just ensure they are fully cooked and seasoned similarly. 

How do I prevent my quesadillas from getting soggy? 

The key is to drain your cooked ground beef thoroughly before adding it back to the skillet with the vegetables. Also, ensure your skillet isn’t overcrowded, allowing moisture to evaporate and the tortillas to crisp up. Using medium heat helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior. 

Can I make these ahead of time? 

You can prepare the ground beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh for the best results. This makes them even quicker for busy evenings!

Conclusion

These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are more than just a meal; they’re a quick, customizable, and utterly delicious solution for any time hunger strikes. With a perfect balance of savory beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in preparing and devouring these simple yet spectacular quesadillas. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides, and share the cheesy goodness with your loved ones! For more delightful and easy recipes, visit Food Jot Home.