Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

RECIPE :

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a versatile and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla creates a mouthwatering combination that’s simply irresistible.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

“Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a versatile and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.”

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (I used ‘extra lean’)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder (or to taste, optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoon unsalted beef stock
• 12 ounces shredded cheese blend (about 3 cups (or combination of cheddar, Monterey jack and pizza mozzarella))
• 6 flour tortillas (mine were about 7 to 8 inches in diametre)
• cooking spray or oil (to grease pan)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F. You’ll use it to keep the quesadillas warm while cooking multiple batches.
2. In a pan, preferably a non-stick one, set the heat to medium and add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, chili powder, chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper powder (if you choose to use it). Cook until the beef is fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles using a wooden spoon. This will take about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and stock, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked beef from the pan to a bowl. If there’s any excess grease, be sure to drain or remove it.
4. Now, it’s time to assemble your quesadillas. Spread about 8 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of cheese evenly among all your tortillas. You may need to adjust the quantity of cheese based on the size of your tortillas. Remember to reserve the remaining 4 ounces (or 1 cup) of cheese for later use.
5. Distribute the cooked ground beef on top of the cheese-covered tortillas. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup (4 ounces) of cheese over the beef. Fold the tortillas over to create a half-moon shape.
6. You’ll be working in batches, so for each batch (about 2 quesadillas at a time), lightly spray the pan with cooking spray. Cook the quesadillas on medium-low heat for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Be sure to turn them carefully, and keep a close watch to prevent burning.
7. As you continue with more batches, place the cooked quesadillas on a baking sheet in your preheated oven to keep them warm.
8. Once all your quesadillas are ready, cut each half-moon shape in half, creating smaller serving portions. These quesadillas go wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy your meal!