Beef quesadillas are a beloved Tex-Mex delicacy that showcases tender slices of seasoned beef nestled between two flour tortillas.
The beef is typically cooked with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and garlic, imparting a robust and savory flavor profile.
Melted cheese, often varieties like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, is layered with the beef to create a gooey and satisfying filling.
The tortillas are then toasted until golden brown and crisp, allowing the cheese to melt and bind the ingredients together.
Beef quesadillas are often served with accompaniments such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo, enhancing their taste with tangy, creamy, or spicy notes.
Estimated Duration
Embark on the journey of making and enjoying Beef Quesadillas with a total time of approximately 25 minutes. This includes the preparation of the seasoned beef, assembling, and cooking the quesadillas.
Nutrition Facts
Beef Quesadillas offer a protein-packed combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese. While not the lightest option, they provide a hearty and flavorful eating experience.
Equipment Required
Before diving into the world of Beef Quesadillas, ensure you have the following equipment:
Ingredients:
For the Seasoned Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for cooking
Optional Toppings:
Instructions:
Prepare the Seasoned Beef:
- Cook Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
- Season the Beef:
- Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly. Mix in diced onions and chopped cilantro. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld.
Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Preheat the Skillet:
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Build the Quesadillas:
- Place a flour tortilla on the skillet.
- Sprinkle a portion of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.
- Add a layer of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the cheese.
- Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Cook the Quesadillas:
- Lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the assembled quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat for Remaining Quesadillas:
- Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and beef filling.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them rest for a moment.
- Slice each quesadilla into wedges.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve Beef Quesadillas warm, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and sliced jalapeños.
Tips and Advice:
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors.
Enjoy with these Side Dishes:
Beef Quesadillas are satisfying on their own, but you can enjoy them with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp side salad.
Storage Options:
Beef Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftover seasoned beef can be stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to maintain their texture.
Ingredient Substitutes:
Feel free to experiment with different proteins like shredded chicken or ground turkey. You can also add bell peppers or other veggies to the filling for added crunch.
Popular Alternatives to this Dish:
Explore more quesadilla variations like Chicken Quesadillas, Shrimp Quesadillas, or Veggie Quesadillas for a diverse and delightful quesadilla experience. Each option brings its own unique twist to this classic dish.
