Description
These Spicy Beef Quesadillas offer a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, melted pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, and a crispy golden tortilla. Ideal for a hearty Mexican-inspired main course, they are quick to prepare on the stovetop and customizable with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Tortillas
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned and fully crumbled. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef with taco seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly butter one side of each flour tortilla. Place one tortilla butter-side down in the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, evenly sprinkle a mixture of the shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, then add a portion of the seasoned beef mixture on top. Add more cheese over the beef for extra meltiness. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook the quesadillas: Cook the folded quesadilla for 2–3 minutes on one side or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip it and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until golden and the cheese inside has melted completely. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and slice each into wedges. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- These quesadillas reheat well either in a skillet or air fryer, which helps retain a crispy exterior.
- Use flour tortillas for the best flexibility and crispiness; corn tortillas tend to break when folded.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
