Description
Delicious ground beef quesadillas with melted cheese, perfectly toasted for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 blend)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1.5 cups bright orange cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- 1.5 cups white Monterey Jack cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or butter)
- 2 tbsp fresh green cilantro (finely chopped, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup smooth white sour cream (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and crumbly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until everything is combined and the mixture is coated with a rich, reddish-brown sauce.
- Assemble the quesadillas: On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Top with a portion of the beef mixture and an extra sprinkle of cheese to help seal the quesadilla.
- Toast them up: Fold the tortillas over one another to create a half-moon shape. In the same skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully place the quesadillas in the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the skillet and let them cool on a cutting board for a minute before slicing into wedges. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm alongside smooth white sour cream for dipping.
Notes
These quesadillas can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. They freeze well for 1-2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 408
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 623mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg