Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for Spicy Beef Quesadillas featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and optional fresh cilantro, served with classic sides of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
For Serving
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Cook beef mixture: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the beef with spices. Remove from heat.
- Assemble quesadillas: Place a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface or directly in a skillet over low heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over one side of the tortilla. Spread a layer of the cooked beef mixture on top of the cheese. Add fresh cilantro, if using, then sprinkle another layer of cheese on top.
- Cook quesadillas: Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Cook in the skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from skillet and allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute. Cut into wedges and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- You can use pre-shredded taco seasoning or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- For a crispier quesadilla, cook on medium heat and press down lightly with a spatula during cooking.
- Substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or corn tortillas for a variation.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
