Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1/2 tsp. sea salt; 1/2 tsp. chili powder; 1/2 tsp. cumin; 1/4 tsp. garlic powder; 1/4 tsp. onion powder; 16 oz. shredded cheese; 4 large tortillas (burrito size); Fresh toppings: lettuce, cilantro, salsa/tomato, sour cream, etc.

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a quick, no-fuss meal that never disappoints, this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe is about to be your new weeknight hero! Think gooey layers of cheese, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a crispy tortilla shell — all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those crave-worthy dishes that hits the spot, whether you’re feeding hungry kids, needing an easy dinner fix, or just want to impress yourself with a hot, melty snack. Trust me, this recipe brings all the flavors you love in Tex-Mex, with zero heavy lifting.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how just a handful of simple, staple ingredients can combine to make this cheesy crowd-pleaser. Each one plays its part in nailing that irresistible flavor, melt, and crunch — and you probably already have most on hand!

Ground beef: The base for all those rich and savory flavors — choose lean for less grease, or 80/20 for extra juiciness.
Tomato paste: Adds a deep, slightly sweet tang that brings the whole beef mixture together.
Sea salt: Just the right punch to make all the spices and cheese pop big-time.
Chili powder: That gentle kick of warmth you expect from the best Tex-Mex.
Cumin: The earthy magic that instantly says “quesadilla night!”
Garlic powder: Subtle, but totally essential for depth and aroma.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors and adds mellow sweetness without chopping onions.
Shredded cheese (16 oz): This is the star! Use a melty blend like Mexican cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite combo.
Large tortillas (burrito size): These create that perfect crispy exterior and hold all the tasty filling.
Fresh toppings: Lettuce, cilantro, salsa, tomato, sour cream — this is where you can get creative and add color, crunch, and tang on top.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat up a large skillet on medium-high and toss in the ground beef. Let it sizzle for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. You want little crumbles that will tuck nicely inside that tortilla for every cheesy bite.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Once the beef is mostly browned, sprinkle in the sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the tomato paste too. If things look a little dry (depends on your beef), splash in a tablespoon or two of water. Stir it all together really well so every morsel of meat is coated and fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer Down the Beef Mixture

Lower the heat to low and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This gives the spices a chance to mellow and mingle with the beef. Stir occasionally until it’s cooked through and saucy. Now take the pan off the heat and set it aside — the hard part is done!

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

Grab a tortilla and lay it in a dry skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of shredded cheese on one half, follow with 1/2 cup of the beef mixture, then top with another 1/3 cup of cheese. (Yes, double cheese, because that’s the whole point!)

Step 5: Fold and Cook

Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes — the cheese will start to melt and the bottom will go crisp and golden. Use a big spatula to flip it, then cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is perfectly browned. Repeat for all four quesadillas.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Move those beauties to a cutting board, let them cool just a minute, then slice into wedges. Pile them up and get ready to add your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Garnishes

This is where the Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe gets its pop! Top with cool, crisp lettuce, a shower of chopped cilantro, fresh tomatoes or salsa, and a generous dab of sour cream. Not only does it make the plate look amazing, but it delivers freshness and zing in every bite.

Side Dishes

Pile your quesadillas next to a scoop of guacamole, classic Mexican rice, or a bright corn salad. Even a simple side of black beans or a fresh lime wedge amps up the meal and brings a balance to the rich, melty cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging wedges on a platter with little bowls of all the toppings for a build-your-own bar — perfect for parties or picky eaters! Or tuck the slices into a lunchbox with a cup of salsa for dipping. However you serve them, the Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the quesadillas cool completely before stacking them in an airtight container. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking together, and pop in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as tasty the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual quesadilla wedges tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then tuck them inside a freezer bag. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to 2 months. It’s a busy weeknight lifesaver to have a stash of Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe ready to go!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until hot and crispy. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on a plate in 30-second bursts (but the tortilla might get soft). The oven is great for bigger batches — just bake at 350F for 10 minutes or until everything is melty again.

FAQs

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Melty cheeses like Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella work wonders for binding everything together and delivering that unbeatable stretch. Mix and match to get your favorite flavor combo for the Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Just add a little extra seasoning or a splash of oil since they’re leaner meats — the quesadillas will still turn out juicy and flavorful.

How do I keep quesadillas crispy?

The trick is to cook them in a dry skillet (skip the oil or butter, unless you want extra crunch), and don’t overstuff. Let them rest for a minute before slicing — this keeps the cheesy filling from running out and helps the tortilla stay crisp.

What’s the best way to flip the quesadillas?

Use a large spatula or flipper and slide it gently underneath the quesadilla before quickly turning it over. If it feels wobbly, use your free hand or a second spatula for extra support. Practice makes perfect!

Can I prep the filling ahead?

Yes! Make the beef filling up to two days ahead and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, just assemble the Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe as written — talk about a time saver!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as pulling a steaming, cheesy wedge off the plate after making this Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these are a guaranteed hit. Dive in, don’t forget the toppings, and enjoy every bite of melty, beefy deliciousness!

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas makes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 3-4 minutes, breaking up with a spoon.
Add tomato paste, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to skillet and mix everything well. Depending on fat content, add a splash of water if it’s dry.
Turn the heat down to low and cook for 3-4 more minutes, stirring frequently, until ground beef is cooked through. Set aside.
Assemble quesadillas. In a large skillet over medium heat, layer 1/3 cup shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Top with 1/2 cup ground beef mixture and another 1/3 cup shredded cheese.
Fold over top and cook for about 2-3 minutes, and when the cheese starts to melt, carefully flip over with large flipper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with remaining 3 quesadillas.
Cut into wedges and serve with toppings. See topping ideas in post or below.

Notes

You can customize the fillings to your preference by adding veggies or other toppings.
Feel free to use different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican