There’s nothing quite like the combination of savory ground beef and gooey, melted cheese to bring a smile to anyone’s face. If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, this Cheesy Beef Quesadilla recipe is a must-try! Perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or even a snack, these quesadillas are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup roughly chopped spinach or baby kale
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro (optional)
- 4 teaspoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 8-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded havarti
- Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges to serve
Preparation:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s crumbly and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain the beef in a colander and wipe out the skillet.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the oil. Sauté the onion with salt and pepper for 3 minutes until softened. Add the tomato paste, spinach, garlic, and chili powder, stirring for 1 minute until the spinach wilts. Return the beef to the skillet, stir to combine, and mix in the cilantro if using. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and clean the skillet.
- Combine the cheddar and havarti in a bowl. Place the skillet over medium heat and add ½ teaspoon of butter. Lay a tortilla in the pan, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese over half of it, add 1/8 of the beef mixture, and top with another 2 tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half, cover the pan, and cook for 2 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the underside is browned.
- Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board, let it rest for 1 minute, then slice into wedges. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges for a complete meal.
Enjoy this Cheesy Beef Quesadilla recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
