These Ground Beef Quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing meal that can be made in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need to quickly get a kid-friendly dinner on the table.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe irresistible
- What you’ll need: ingredients
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step guide: instructions
- Watch and learn: recipe video
- Essential equipment for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
- Deb's tips for the perfect dish
- How to store leftovers
- More recipes you'll love
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Ground Beef Quesadilla Recipe
What makes this recipe irresistible
If you ask me, one of the best things about this recipe is the crispy tortilla shell and super cheesy filling. It's the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.
What you’ll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- ground beef
- taco seasoning
- tomato paste
- 8" flour tortillas
- olive oil or butter*
- cheddar cheese
- optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole or avocado slices, sliced olives
Creative variations to try
There are so many amazing variations to mix up this meal. Here's a few to try;
- Ground chicken is an excellent choice to lighten up the cheesy quesadillas.
- Skip the meat and make a cheesy quesadilla. You can add black beans or refried beans as well. YUM!!
Step-by-step guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Brown ground beef, drain well. Add taco seasoning packet, tomato paste, and water according to package directions, and simmer.
- Remove the ground beef mixture from the pan. Wipe the frying pan off with a paper towel.
- Place the skillet back on the stovetop. Brush the hot skillet with olive oil (or butter).
- Add the tortilla and top with shredded cheese. Add taco mixture to half of the tortilla. When the cheese is melted fold tortilla over. Press down lightly. Toast until golden brown.
- Top with your favorite toppings; salsa, pico de Gallo, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or black olives.
Watch and learn: recipe video
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Essential equipment for this recipe
- large skillet
- silicone pastry or BBQ brush
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Typically, Mexican restaurants will cook their ground beef with water to help it break down into smaller pieces.
The best way to get crispy tortillas on your quesadillas is to oil the skillet. This will give you the perfect crunch on the tortillas.
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
Make sure that your skillet is still warm before you add the tortillas, you want them to cook quickly but not burn.
- If you are making quesadillas for a large family, use a preheated electric griddle to make more at one time, and to save you some time. A Blackstone would also work.
- I personally like to make extra crispy quesadillas - SO GOOD!
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate -Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container or storage bag in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezer - Did you know that you can freeze quesadillas? Wrap them in plastic wrap individually and then store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat - If you want the same crispy tortilla I recommend reheating the quesadillas in a warm skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 hours.
More recipes you'll love
Are you a fan of Mexican inspired recipes? If so, these Air Fryer Tacos, Creamy Taco Spaghetti Recipe, and Easy Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas are a great way to change up your Taco Tuesday meals without a lot of work.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
You can't have a Mexican recipe without a side of chips and Roasted Salsa Verde, plus a Mexican Martini for the adults. And, for a refreshing yet flavorful treat at the end of your meal, serve this Mexican fruit salad. It's the perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
Do you make quesadillas for your family? Drop me a comment down below and let me know what your family likes to put in theirs.
Ground Beef Quesadilla Recipe
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 8" flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter*
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole or avocado slices, sliced olives
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef, breaking into little crumbles. Drain well. Add taco seasoning packet, tomato paste and water according to package directions. Mix well to combine. Remove the taco meat from pan, set aside. Wipe the fry pan off with a paper towel.
- Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Brush the pan with olive oil (or butter). Add the tortilla and top with shredded cheese. Add taco meat to half the tortilla. When the cheese is melted fold the tortilla over to a half-moon shape. Press down lightly.
- Fry on both sides until crispy. Remove from the pan. Cook the remaining quesadillas in batches.
- Slice in half, serve with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy! Sour cream, salsa, jalapenos, olives, etc.
Notes
- You can fry with either olive oil or butter. Butter tends to have a little more flavor, but it's a personal preference. Enjoy!
Cat says
Thank you for giving us 30 minute meals. I like fast, easy and tasty, these will be.
Debra Clark says
You're very welcome Cathie! I'm glad you're loving these easy recipes!!!