Mouthwatering Cheesy Beef Quesadillas – Perfect for Any Meal
Introduction
When you need a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love, these Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are the perfect choice! Packed with savory ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, these quesadillas are a simple yet satisfying option for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Ready in just minutes, they make a hearty meal that’s full of flavor!
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
For the quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and water, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and is fully combined. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
- Place a tortilla flat on a surface, then sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over half of it.
- Add a spoonful of the beef mixture on top of the cheese, followed by a small handful of shredded lettuce.
- Top with a little more cheese and then fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to secure it.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the skillet and place on a cutting board. Slice them into wedges.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Tips for Making the Best Quesadillas
- Use a non-stick pan: This helps prevent the quesadillas from sticking to the skillet.
- Don’t overfill: Keep the filling portion balanced to make sure the quesadillas crisp up nicely and don’t tear.
- Extra crunch: Try adding a handful of chips inside for an extra crunchy texture.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these quesadillas with a refreshing side of sliced cucumbers, just like shown in the image, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick, or try some spicy salsa to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Quesadillas are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, a casual gathering, or even a quick snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Quick, simple, and absolutely delicious, these quesadillas are a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist.
Call to Action
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