These easy ground beef quesadillas are a tasty treat, packed with juicy beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. They cook up in no time, making dinner a breeze!
Got a busy day? No worries! I love making these for quick meals. Just fill, fold, and fry till crispy—so simple. You might find yourself craving them often! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the quesadillas. I often go for lean ground beef to reduce fat. You can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Canned Corn: Canned corn adds sweetness and texture. If you don’t have any, fresh or frozen corn works too! Just cook it a bit longer if using frozen.
Bell Peppers: Any color of bell pepper will do! I like using a mix for a pop of color. For a spicier kick, chopped jalapeños can be a great substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use mozzarella or pepper jack for something different. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds!
Olive Oil: This is for cooking the quesadillas. You can replace it with avocado oil or even butter if you prefer. Butter will add a nice flavor!
How Can I Cook Quesadillas Without Burning Them?
Quesadillas can be tricky to get right, especially when it comes to cooking them evenly. Here are some tips to avoid burning and to ensure they’re perfectly crispy:
- Use medium heat. If the skillet is too hot, the tortillas will brown too quickly before the cheese melts.
- Use enough oil. A tablespoon on each side helps achieve a nice golden color. Don’t skimp on it!
- Keep an eye on them. Check the quesadilla after a couple of minutes. If it’s too dark, lower the heat slightly.
- Consider a lid. Covering the skillet for a minute while cooking helps the cheese melt evenly.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Quesadillas?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving (optional):
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. Altogether, you can have your delicious quesadillas ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your quesadillas aren’t greasy.
2. Cook the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook these together until the vegetables are nice and tender, about 4-5 minutes. This will add great flavor and color to your filling!
3. Mix in the Corn and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the drained corn and taco seasoning. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until it’s all heated through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Prepare the Quesadilla Skillet:
In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will give your tortillas a nice golden crisp.
5. Assemble the Quesadilla:
Place a tortilla in the hot skillet and spread a portion of the beef mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese, then fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cook the folded tortilla for about 2-3 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown. Carefully flip it over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy. Yum!
7. Repeat and Serve:
Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once they’re all cooked, cut the quesadillas into wedges.
8. Enjoy Your Quesadillas:
Serve your tasty quesadillas with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream on the side and add some lime wedges for a zesty touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat as a substitute. Just cook them in the same way as the ground beef, and ensure that any alternative protein is fully cooked before adding the vegetables and seasonings.
How Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Recipe?
You can easily customize the vegetables to your liking! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just be sure to chop them finely and adjust the cooking time, as firmer veggies like carrots may need a bit longer to soften.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Quesadillas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through, or microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, but this may make them a bit softer.
Can I Make These Quesadillas Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of canned corn and bell peppers. You can also add black beans or cooked lentils for extra protein and flavor. The taco seasoning will still give you that delicious taste!
