Beef Quesadillas: A Cheesy, Crispy, and Flavor-Packed Favorite
Beef quesadillas are the perfect go-to meal when you want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. Ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend snacks, or even party appetizers, these cheesy, crispy tortillas filled with savory beef are always a hit. Whether served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, quesadillas are versatile, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp oregano
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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¼ cup water
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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6 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
Instructions
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Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned—about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Mix in tomato paste and water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the beef mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In a clean skillet, heat a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat.
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Place one tortilla in the skillet. On one half, sprinkle a layer of cheese, then a layer of the beef mixture, and top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
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Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.