Looking for super cheesy ground beef quesadillas? You’ve come to the right place! Well seasoned ground beef, lots of ooey gooey cheese and a crispy golden brown exterior make these quesadillas simply irresistible! They’re sure to become a favourite in your home as they are in ours.
Hi friends! If you’re looking for an easy quesadilla recipe, you’ve come to the right place!
If you know me, you know that I’m a huge fan of quesadillas. One of the reasons is, like grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas are a method of getting more cheese into my pie hole, LOL.
Seriously, though, hubby and I enjoy quesadillas on the regular. They’re super easy to whip up, you can put as little or as much as you want in ’em and they always taste amazing.
I’ve shared other varieties before, like chicken, turkey, and even breakfast quesadillas.
Today though? Ground beef quesadillas. One thing they all have in common: cheese (and lots of it!) You gotta have quesadillas with cheese, if you ask me! Tell me you don’t wanna grab some through your screen (if only, right?!)
These cheesy quesadillas come together in no time at all with some pretty basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. I’m pretty confident they’ll be in regular rotation in your home as they are ours.
How to Make Ground Beef Quesadillas
Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
- Heat oil in a pan and add ground beef, spices, salt and pepper.
- Cook the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked through, stir in tomato paste.
- Pour in beef stock/broth (or you could use water). Once stock/broth is absorbed, remove ground beef from the pan.
- For each quesadilla, place some cheese on one half of the tortilla.
- Top with cooked ground beef.
- Add a little more cheese.
- Fold over the tortilla so it’s a half-moon shape.
- Gently cook quesadillas (in batches) in a greased pan until golden brown on the outside and the cheese has melted. Watch that they don’t burn. They cook quickly! Then, cut in half and enjoy!
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What Type of Tortilla Should I Use for Quesadillas? What Size of Tortilla is Best?
For quesadillas, I prefer flour tortillas over corn tortillas. They’re readily available (more so than corn tortillas here in Newfoundland). Plus, they’re hearty, flexible and withstand all those delicious toppings.
Monica from Nourish and Fete has an awesome recipe for homemade flour tortillas if you want to try those instead of store-bought. Just make ’em a little bigger if you want to use for quesadillas.
I typically opt to use flour tortillas that are about 7 to 8 inches in diameter.
Can Leftover Quesadillas Be Reheated?
Yes! You can reheat leftover quesadillas in a non-stick pan on the stovetop over about medium-low heat (this will yield the crispiest reheating results) until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Alternatively, place quesadillas on a sheet pan in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
They may not be quite as crispy as freshly made, but they are still pretty awesome.
What’s the Best Cheese for Quesadillas?
Cheese not only tastes awesome in these beef quesadillas, but also acts as a ‘glue’ to keep things together. Cheese, is there anything you can’t do?
When making quesadillas, pick a nice melting cheese, like cheddar, pizza mozzarella or Monterey Jack (or a combo of them).
I’ve made these quesadillas a bunch of times with different varieties of cheese, as well as with a store bought blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack and pizza mozzarella. I don’t often go for pre-shredded cheeses, but by buying a blend, you get a variety without having to buy multiple blocks of cheese.
Having said that, in the event that you do have odds and ends of cheese floating around in your fridge, now would be the time to use them! Waste not, want not, right?
Other nice melting cheeses are Havarti, fontina, Swiss, Gouda and provolone. For added flavour (even though it doesn’t melt well) I’ve even added crumble feta to the mix (queso fresco also works great).
It’s cheese. As a cheese obsessed person, there is no going wrong in my book!
More Tips and Variations for Making the Best Quesadillas
I used ‘extra lean’ ground beef. If you use anything otherwise, ensure that excess fat is drained from the cooked meat before putting on the tortillas. You don’t want a greasy mess!
If the size of your tortillas are larger or smaller than the ones I used, the quantity you yield may vary.
Watch those quesadillas in the pan! They are burn quickly. It’s better to have the heat on the lower side so you get a nice golden brown colour (without burning) and still melt the cheese.
I like to keep these beef and cheese quesadillas simple, but you could add sliced avocado, hot peppers (patted dry before using), corn or cilantro (or whatever you please).
Break up the ground beef into crumbles. You don’t want huge pieces of beef. I love to use a wooden spoon or potato masher to really break up.
Carefully flip the quesadillas so the filling doesn’t spill out. Use two spatulas (or one really large one, like a fish spatula) to flip or cut into pieces before browning. It may make things a little more manageable.
What To Serve with These Ground Beef Quesadillas
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa
- Pico de gallo from Tasty Ever After
- Guacamole
- Green salad, like this chopped Mexican salad with pepitas from Cooking on the Weekends
- Rice
- Mexican street corn from Basil & Bubbly
Like These Cheesy Quesadillas? You May Enjoy These Too!
Hope you love these ground beef quesadillas as much as we do! Stay tuned for more easy cheesy quesadillas recipes coming your way!
If you make these cheesy beef quesadillas, be sure to leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (I use 'extra lean')
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or to taste, optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted beef stock/broth (or low sodium or regular)
- 12 ounces shredded cheese blend (about 3 cups (combination of cheddar, Monterey jack and pizza mozzarella))
- 6 flour tortillas (mine were about 7 to 8 inches in diameter)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (to grease pan, about 2 teaspoons of oil per batch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degree Fahrenheit (to keep quesadillas warm while cooking batches).
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan (about a 10-inch or 12-inch pan) over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add ground beef, chili powder, chipotle pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking the ground beef into crumbles (smaller pieces), until the ground beef is fully cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes or so. Stir in tomato paste and stock/broth and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove beef from the pan and place into a bowl. If there is any excess grease, drain/remove.
- Distribute about 8 ounces (or 2 cups) of cheese among all tortillas (on one side of them). Note: Reserve the remaining 4 ounces (or 1 cup of cheese).Also, if your tortillas are smaller or larger than the size I used, the quantity you yield may vary.
- Distribute ground beef on top of cheese. Then, sprinkle remaining 1 cup (or 4 ounces) of cheese on top of ground beef. Fold over each tortilla so it's a half-moon shape.
- To cook quesadillas, heat about 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Gently swirl the oil around the pan to coat.Note: If you're using the same pan that you used for cooking the ground beef, just wipe out before greasing and cooking your quesadillas.Note: Cook the quesadillas in batches, two quesadillas at a time, adding more oil to the pan between batches as necessary.
- Place two quesadillas in the pan. Cook quesadillas for about 2 minutes on one side.
- Carefully flip quesadillas to the other side and continue to cook for another 2 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese is melted inside (carefully watch to ensure they don't burn). Transfer cooked quesadillas to a sheet pan and place into your preheated oven to keep warm while you are continuing to cook the remaining quesadillas.
- Repeat process to cook remaining quesadillas.
- Once done, cut each half-moon (quesadilla) in half so you have 12 pieces. Great served with salsa, guacamole and/or sour cream. Enjoy!Note: If you have any leftovers, properly store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2 to 4 days, reheating when ready to enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition (ESTIMATE ONLY)
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 Serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
Sarah
I did not have any tomato paste so I omitted the beef broth also and added a can of Rotel. These are quick and easy to make. Great for a week night meal.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Sounds like a yummy addition! Happy you enjoyed the recipe, Sarah!
Minnie
Hi Dawn,
Can this be done in a sandwich press?
Thank you.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Minnie, I haven’t tried these in a sandwich press before, but I’m sure that would work perfectly fine instead of pan frying the quesadillas. Hope you enjoy!
Katharina
Good combo! Tasted very good! Made it multiple times on days I just want something that’s delicious and finished fast!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Katharina! Happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Noy
My boyfriend LOVED it. He’s British and I made these for him and he’s very particular about his food, and this got the stamp of approval. I had avocado and salsa on the side. Very filling. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Michelle | Sift & Simmer
Wow Dawn, these are so epic! I’m gonna have to make these for the kids soon! Now that’s some serious comfort food 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Michelle! They sure are! Enjoy!
Crissy
These were delicious! I used the street taco size flour tortillas and taco seasoning! Very good and an easy dinner!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Crissy! Thanks so much! Happy you enjoyed the recipe!
John Foro
Wow I justade this quasadia recipie and it was fantastic!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, John!! Happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Ela
I tried this recipe the other day and I loved it! It was super easy to make and delicious. I will definitely make these again in the future.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Ela – thanks for stopping by! So happy you enjoyed! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hallie
Discovered this recipe on Pinterest and tried it tonight- very good! So easy and inexpensive to make. Thanks for sharing!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Hallie! Thanks for stopping by. Happy you enjoyed the recipe…thanks very much!!
Chass
This looks amazing! 252 calories per full quesadilla or per half?
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Chass! Thanks so much! It’s for half. 🙂
Michelle
This is a new fave for me! It took me no time to make and it is absolutely delicious!!! I substituted Kroger’s Fire Roasted Salsa Style dices tomatoes for the tomato paste and it is packed with flavor! My 5 and 7 year old loved these too! Thank you so much for a new great recipe! This will definitely be my new go to!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Michelle – So happy to hear that you guys enjoyed! Thank you very much.
Wayne O’Quin
This recipe is amazing and easy. I have cooked it about 4 or 5 times with my granddaughter and my family loves it!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Wayne! So happy to hear that! 🙂
Carly Rivera
These are yummy! I used ground turkey because I was trying to find ways to use it up. I also added some black beans to the meat mixture. Delicious and super easy!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you, Carly! So happy you enjoyed! I have a ground turkey quesadilla recipe that you may enjoy too. 🙂
Don
Hi I have beef stock but not salt free what should I do
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Don! Regular stock will work here. It will just slightly impact the sodium. There’s not much stock used in this recipe anyway. Hope you enjoy. 🙂
Angela
This was a winner all round! My 9 yr old has a milk allergy so I omitted the cheese and she enjoyed it just as much as the others. My 12 year old & hubby also loved it, I served with homemade guacamole A+++
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Angela – thank you very much!! So happy that you all enjoyed! These are definitely delicious with guacamole…good choice. 😉 Have a lovely weekend!
Stacy
I’m making these now and reading everyone’s comments. I didn’t even think about adding guac. I hope my picky eater is going to love these as much as I know I’m going to so I can make them again with guac!!! It smells sooooooo good.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hope you all enjoy, Stacy!! Serving with guacamole is a delicious idea. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lisa
New family favourite!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Lisa – thank you very much! So happy to hear that!!
Kate
Holy moly this recipe is good! I didn’t have chipotle pepper powder but ancho and it was outstanding. I can’t wait to try it when I have the correct paper powder. Thank you for this recipe!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Kate! Thanks for stopping and the kind words! So happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Dianna
Can this be done with shredded chicken?
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Dianna, cooked shredded chicken should work too 🙂 Enjoy!
Caden
Wow! Made these for the first time (did it without tomato paste) and these were so good! I recommend making these 100%.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Caden. 🙂 So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Deborah
This recipe was easy, came out as perfect. loved the flavor, not overwhelming and not bland. Will definitely make again!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Deborah! Happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Tammy Pieniazek
If you use the homemade taco seasoning in place of the separate ones how much do you use?
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Tammy, about 1.5 tablespoons should be good and just omit the salt. Enjoy!
terry decoster
These were amazing. Thank you.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
So happy to hear that you enjoyed. 🙂 Thanks Terry!
Marlene McCarthy
I used ground turkey breast and chicken stock. This was super easy to make and SO delicious! I only needed three quesadillas tonight which I was able to fit in one pan. I’m freezing the other half of the cooked meat for next time. I’m so happy I discovered this recipe today!!! xoxo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so very much, Marlene. 🙂 So happy you enjoyed!! Appreciate the kind words! XO
SheAce
Just confirming two chili powders? Thank you.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi there! Yes, there’s chili powder as well as chipotle powder (for a little smoky flavour). Enjoy!
Julie
Can this same recipe be used for regular
Tacos in a crispy or flour tortilla?
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Julie! Yes, that should definitely work 🙂
Jessica
Made this tonight, and it was amazing! Kids loved it so thank you!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
That made my day! So happy to hear that, Jessica! Thanks so much 🙂
Amy Shelton
My husband is always sending me “new & exciting” recipes he’d like to see for dinner. He and my daughter love tacos, but I really don’t care for them. This is an amazing alternative. I did up the garlic and onion powders and used smoked paprika in place of the chipotle chili powder, I didn’t have any. My husband and I both like a bit of heat so I added a diced up cayenne pepper from our garden. He loves onions any way he can get em, so I topped the meat with diced onions before the last layer of cheese. They came out sooo good. This recipe is definitely getting made again. They paired great with sour cream and homemade salsa. My picky eater said less meat and more cheese, but don’t listen to her. Next time I’ll make her just a plain ole cheese one. Oh and unless you have a rather large family, be warned, do not double the recipe. I know what we’re taking for lunches this week 😉 ! Thank you for the great recipe!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you very much, Amy…your comment made my day!! So happy you and your family enjoyed the recipe!! Thanks for trying and letting me know!
Ali
Hey, Dawn! Looooved this recipe. I was just wondering — how did you come to 252 calories in total? May we see a breakdown? Thanks! Super duper love this!! Such a yummy meal 😋
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Hi Ali! I use a nutrition calculator from my recipe card plug in. Once ingredients are inputted, as well as the number of servings, it calculates. So, the nutrition info listed is per piece (or half of each half moon). Hope that helps and so happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Kim - The Puffy Biscuit
I mean, how delicious do those look? I did want to grab one through the screen! I recently found a brand of gluten-free corn tortillas that I really liked so now all I can think about is quesadillas. They really are so tasty and quick to make once you cook the meat. And as always, gorgeous photos, Dawn. They look so yummy!.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
That you so much for the kind comment, Kim!! We love ’em…hope you do too 🙂
Sabrina
Yum, these are a family favourite! I really love the seasoning for the filling, all wholesome ingredients (lots that I grow in my garden) with no msg or excessive salt. Thanks, a family favourite I feel good serving my kids 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Happy to hear that! Thank you Sabrina 🙂
Lisa
Such a simple idea and yet I never thought of it! This looks so delicious…can’t wait to try it instead of the usual cheese or chicken quesadillas!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Lisa! Hope you love ’em as much as we do 🙂
Melissa
Quesadillas are really popular in our house, but we are definitely stuck in a rut with the same type. This would be a perfect change up! Plus all that cheese, yes please!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Ours too!! Can’t go wrong with lots of cheese, in my opinion 😉
Jacqueline Debono
I’m a big cheese fan too and these cheesy beef quesadillas are calling my name! Pinning for later!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks so very much, Jacqueline 🙂 Hope you love ’em!
Shashi at SavorySpin
If only I could reach through my screen and grab a bite of these! Dawn, I’m not a huge beef eater but you have me drooling over here – all that beefy cheesy goodness stuffed between crisp tortillas…. yummm… am sitting here with PB &J toast, wishing I was eating this instead! Happy weekend to you xoxo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol! Wish I could share! Thank you Shashi! Have a great weekend ahead too 🙂 XOXO
Kevin
Quick and easy but yet the ultimate comfort food! Love this cheesy dish!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally! Thanks Kevin!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
These look delicious and so cheesy, Dawn!! I love crispy quesadillas!! Can’t wait to try the recipe and thanks so much for suggesting my pico de gallo to go with it 🙂 xoxo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Same here! Thank you Karrie! My pleasure 🙂 XOXO
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I would devour that entire stack Dawn…if my son’s didn’t first! We’d all be fighting over these. Pinned and looking forward to trying!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol!! Thanks Mary Ann…maybe you’ll have to double the batch 😉
Laura
These look so good,, Dawn! Who doesn’t love a quesadilla? And this one is so beautiful and easy! I love that you toasted it in the pan, too! Often my kids just simply microwave a quesadilla – I think they’re missing the best part of quesadilla texture – a crispy crust! So delish!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Laura! Right?! Thank you Laura! They’re a favourite around here for sure 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I’m right there with you on your love for quesadillas! These look fabulous and just the thing for a delicious dinner 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay! Happy to hear that! Thank you Jennifer 🙂
[email protected]
I have been looking! So happy I found them! Wowza these look incredible! These are just plain fun! Happy week, my friend! XOXO
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
You’re so sweet! Thank you so much, Annie! Have a wonderful week too! XOXO
David @ Spiced
These ‘dillas look amazing, Dawn! And you want to know something funny? I just made a very similar recipe here. I guess great minds do indeed think alike! 🙂 I absolutely love a good quesadilla, and I’ll never turn down ground beef…so the combo here sounds amazing. Pass me one of those wedges, please!
Kelly | Foodtasia
Dawn, these look so cheesy and delicious! My family loves these!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much, Kelly 🙂 Happy to hear that!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
I’m with you, Dawn!! The more cheese the BETTER. We also eat a ton of quesadillas, they’re an easy win with the kids! I’ll definitely be trying this one, I just know everyone in my family will be devouring it!! Hope you had a nice weekend! XO
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Right?! Hope you guys love as much as we do! Thank you Katherine! Same to you, my friend! XOXO
Marie
I love this recipe. These with some pico de gallo and sour cream and I’m in heaven.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yes! Thank you so much Marie 🙂
Ben|Havocinthekitchen
We rarely make quesadillas, but when it comes to “that day”, I use a lot of cheese to make it. In my book, why do you even need to bother if a quesadilla doesn’t loaded with all the cheese, right?:) This totally looks and sounds wonderful; love the pictures too!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay for cheese! Thank you kindly, Ben 🙂
Valentina
Dawn, these look AMAZING! I nearly jumped into my phone when I saw the pic on Instagram this morning. We make a lot of quesadillas around here and everyone would love these!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol!! Thank you so much, Valentina 🙂
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl
LOL! loved the part about how quesadillas are just another way to consume cheese….TRUE! These look seriously so delicious. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and maybe a little spicy on the inside! Looks right up my alley! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally!! Thank you Haylie! Have a great week 🙂
Jeff the Chef
This looks way too good to be unleashed upon the public!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Haha..that made me laugh out loud 😉 Thank you Jeff!
Milena
Your quesadillas look so appetizing! I can absolutely have them for breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner. Or late night snack. Seriously, if I had them all they long I wouldn’t get tired of them. Pinned!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you very much, Milena 🙂 I never do either 😉
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
We love quesadillas in our house too! One of the reasons is they are so darned easy to get on the table and they satisfy everyone! Love that you added ground beef – it turns these into a meal!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally!! Thank you Kathy 🙂
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
Dawn, you always have the most mouth watering quesadilla recipes! And this one is no exception. These would be perfect to whip up any day of the week – great for weekend snacking or a quick weekday meal! Happy Monday. Hope your week is off to a great start!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks Leanne!! Have a great week too 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Quesadillas are one of my favorites too! I love how versatile they are! (And of course I love eating cheese about any way I can get it.) Yours look so perfectly crispy, which is really the only way to go with quesadillas :). Have a great week, Dawn!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally!! Thank you Kelsie! You too 🙂