Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/4 cup water; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 4 large flour tortillas; 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for toasting)

Golden, crispy tortillas wrapped around a sizzling blend of seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese — what’s not to love? These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or satisfying late-night cravings, they hit the spot every single time.

What makes this dish a household favorite is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a skillet, you can whip up restaurant-style quesadillas in minutes. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or a hungry crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

This recipe combines the boldness of taco-style beef with the creamy richness of melted cheese. It’s fast, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. You can tweak the spice level, use your favorite cheese blend, or even sneak in some veggies — it all works. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Flour tortillas work best for these quesadillas because they hold up well when filled and toasted. Choose medium or large tortillas depending on your pan size. Look for soft, pliable ones that won’t crack when folded. Corn tortillas can work in a pinch, but they’re more prone to breaking and have a different texture.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, each playing a role in building bold flavor and perfect texture:

Ground Beef: The star of the show, seasoned ground beef adds savory depth and richness.
Taco Seasoning: A quick way to add spice and flavor — store-bought or homemade.
Tomato Paste: Adds umami and a touch of tang to enhance the meat.
Water: Helps dissolve and distribute the seasoning evenly.
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend): Melts beautifully and holds everything together.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and flexible, perfect for crisping in the skillet.
Butter or Oil: For that golden-brown, crispy quesadilla exterior.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Tomato Paste

Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and a splash of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out the flour tortillas and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on one half. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef, then top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla over.

Step 4: Toast to Perfection

Heat a bit of butter or oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

How to Serve and Store These Quesadillas

This recipe makes 4 hearty quesadillas, which can easily feed 3-4 people as a main dish or 6-8 as an appetizer. Serve them hot and crispy straight from the skillet for the best texture.

To store leftovers, wrap in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to regain crispiness — microwaving can make them soggy. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw and toast when ready.

What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas?

Salsa and Guacamole

You can’t go wrong with a duo of fresh salsa and creamy guac for dipping.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled corn topped with mayo, cotija, chili powder, and lime makes a perfect side.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Light, zesty, and ideal for balancing the richness of the quesadillas.

Refried Beans

A classic Tex-Mex side that adds extra heartiness to the meal.

Fresh Garden Salad

Tossed greens with a lime vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just be sure to season it well to match the flavor intensity of beef.

How do I make these quesadillas spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead and keep them refrigerated, then toast just before serving. Or cook and freeze them individually for a quick meal later.

What cheese melts best for quesadillas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca cheese are all great melting options. A blend gives you both flavor and stretch.

Do you have a homemade taco seasoning recipe?
Absolutely! Check out our Homemade Taco Seasoning for a quick DIY version that’s better than store-bought.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 quesadillas

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Description

Sink your teeth into these ultra-satisfying Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas – a crispy, golden tortilla packed with juicy, taco-seasoned beef and a gooey blend of melted cheeses. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or party-perfect finger food, this is one of those quick meals that checks all the boxes. It’s one of the best food ideas when you’re short on time but craving big flavor. Great for dinner ideas, family snacks, or easy recipes for weeknights.