Go Back
+ servings
A stack of four golden-brown quesadilla quarters filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, showcasing amazing Cheesy Beef Quesadillas.

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

These cheesy beef quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun lunch. They bring the warmth of shared family meals to your table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Oven Warming 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 quesadillas
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 227

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling
  • 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef extra lean recommended
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted beef stock or broth
For the Quesadillas
  • 12 ounces shredded cheese blend divided (about 3 cups)
  • 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 in batches.
  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 or broth. 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 2 cups of the cheese blend evenly over one side of each of the 6 tortillas. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
  5. Distribute the cooked beef mixture over the cheese on each tortilla. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the beef. Fold each tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
  6. 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. If using the same pan from the beef, wipe it clean first.
  7. Cook the quesadillas in batches, two at a time. Add more oil between batches if needed. Place two folded quesadillas in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes on one side.
  8. Carefully flip the quesadillas and cook for another 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Transfer the cooked quesadillas to the preheated oven on a sheet pan to keep them warm while you cook the remaining quesadillas. Repeat the cooking process until all quesadillas are done.
  10. Once all quesadillas are cooked, cut each one in half, yielding 12 pieces. Serve warm with your favorite 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 3 to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
You can substitute the individual spices with a pre-made taco seasoning blend if you prefer.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!