Description
These Spicy Beef Quesadillas are a flavorful and satisfying Mexican-inspired main course featuring a seasoned ground beef filling, melted Mexican cheese blend, and a hint of fresh jalapeño heat. Perfectly crisped on the stovetop and served with sour cream and salsa, they make an ideal meal or party snack that’s sure to please all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Quesadillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 6 large flour tortillas
- Sour cream, for serving
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned fully, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables and Spices: Stir in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes; mix well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Add Tomatoes and Cilantro: Stir in drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates. Remove skillet from heat and fold in chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one flour tortilla on the skillet. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla, add a generous spoonful of the beef mixture, then top with another 1/3 cup cheese. Place a second tortilla on top and press gently to compact.
- Cook Until Golden: Cook the quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip and cook the other side similarly until the cheese melts thoroughly and the tortillas are crispy.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, and repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas as a gluten-free alternative.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or black beans to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing jalapeños and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
