Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

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Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—these Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican twist. Imagine golden tortillas folded over a sizzling mix of savory, seasoned ground beef and gooey, melted cheese that stretches with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, need a quick dinner fix, or just craving something indulgently satisfying, this dish delivers.

Perfect for weeknights, casual parties, or even lazy weekends, these quesadillas come together in minutes and are endlessly customizable. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple yet guaranteed to please. Let’s jump into the key elements that bring this irresistible recipe to life.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like cheddar-jack)
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for pan-frying)
• Optional: diced onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa for serving

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Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned—about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. On one half of each tortilla, evenly spread a generous amount of shredded cheese, then spoon on the seasoned ground beef. Add extra toppings if desired (onions, jalapeños, etc.), then sprinkle more cheese on top before folding the tortilla over.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crispy

In a clean skillet or griddle, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium heat. Place the folded quesadillas in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until each side is golden brown and the cheese is melted through.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve hot with your favorite dips like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 quesadilla, approximate):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg

Note: Values can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great choices. Use what melts well and fits your flavor preference.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the quesadillas and refrigerate them raw. Cook when ready to serve, or fully cook and reheat later.

How do I make them spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce to the beef, or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are leaner alternatives and pair well with the same seasonings.

Are these gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.

What dips go best with this?

Sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa are all popular choices. Even a spicy chipotle mayo works wonderfully.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until crispy and golden.

How can I keep them crispy in a lunchbox?

Wrap in foil and include a paper towel to absorb moisture. Consider packing them separately from any dips to keep them dry.

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