Beef and Cheese Quesadilla

Here’s a crispy, melty Beef and Cheese Quesadilla recipe that’s ready in under 20 minutes—packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or game-day snack!

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Beef and Cheese Quesadillas

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 2-4 (makes 2 large quesadillas)

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 tsp each chili powder, cumin, paprika + ½ tsp garlic powder)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/monterey jack)
• ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

For Assembly:

• 4 large flour tortillas (8-10 inch)
• 2 tbsp butter (or oil for cooking)

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Pickled jalapeños

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 mins, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 2-3 mins until thickened. Remove from heat.

2. Assemble Quesadillas:

1. Lay out 2 tortillas. Sprinkle each with ¼ cup cheese, then spread half the beef mixture. Add onions/cilantro if using, then top with remaining cheese.
2. Place the other 2 tortillas on top to form sandwiches.

3. Cook Until Crispy:

1. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter.
2. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 mins per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden and cheese melts.

4. Serve:

• Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

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Tips for Success:

🔥 Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef.
🧀 Extra cheesy: Use a mix of pepper jack + cheddar for more flavor.
🍖 Shortcut: Use leftover taco meat or shredded rotisserie chicken.
🌮 Add-ins: Try bell peppers, black beans, or corn for extra texture.

These quesadillas are crispy on the outside, oozy on the inside—ready in minutes! 🧀🌯 Let me know if you’d like a air fryer method or a vegetarian version.