Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Need an easy dinner that everyone will actually agree on?
These Ground Beef Quesadillas are one of my favorite quick meals because they’re cheesy, crispy, filling and incredibly easy to make.
Seasoned ground beef and plenty of melty Mexican-blend cheese are tucked inside flour tortillas, then cooked in a skillet until the tortillas are golden and crispy.
And the whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes!
Even better, this ground beef quesadilla recipe is a great way to use leftover taco-seasoned ground beef.
So if you’ve got some cooked ground beef sitting in the refrigerator, dinner just got a whole lot easier.
We love quesadilla recipes in our family! I love them because they are quick and easy to make and a great way to use leftovers. If you’ve got leftover ground beef, this quesadilla is for you!
Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Quesadillas
There are plenty of reasons to add these easy quesadillas to your dinner rotation.
They’re quick.
You can have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes.
They’re cheesy.
Two layers of melty cheese surround the seasoned ground beef.
They’re family-friendly.
Ground beef, cheese and crispy tortillas are a combination that’s hard to argue with.
They’re budget-friendly.
You only need ½ pound of ground beef to make four quesadillas.
They’re customizable.
Add your favorite toppings, switch up the cheese or add some heat to the beef.
They’re great for leftovers.
Cooked ground beef from another meal can easily become the filling for these quesadillas.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Quesadillas
- ground beef
- flour tortillas
- butter
- cheese
- garlic salt
- taco seasoning
What Kind of Cheese Is Best for Quesadillas?
I like using a Mexican cheese blend because it melts beautifully and adds plenty of flavor.
But you can absolutely use whatever melty cheese you have on hand.
Good options include:
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Mexican cheese blend
Pepper Jack is especially good if you like a little extra heat.
How To Make Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Cook the Ground Beef
If you have leftover ground beef you can taste it and see what level of seasoning you need. I like to use some garlic salt and taco seasoning for the flavors I’m going for. If you are cooking up your ground beef, I typically cook it up in a large skillet on medium heat.
Season the Beef
I add the seasoning at the end of cooking. Once the beef is cooked you can remove it and put it into a bowl until you’re ready to use it. If you like ground turkey or ground chicken would be great substitutes. Also if you want to added heat to your meat you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on to the beef.
Assemble the Quesadilla
I wipe out the pan and add some butter and turn the heat to medium-low. Once the butter melts I put in a flour tortilla.
I add some mexican blend cheese to one half of the quesadilla. You could use any type of melty cheese you like. Cheddar or monterey jack cheese would be delicious.
Then I add some of the ground beef filling to the top of the cheese.
Then finish with some more cheese before you fold the other side of the tortilla on top. You obviously can make a full size tortilla instead. You can finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Quesadillas
You can absolutely eat these quesadillas just as they are.
That’s actually how I usually enjoy mine!
But if you’re a dipping person, there are plenty of options.
Try serving them with:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Hot sauce
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
You could even make a little topping bar if you’re serving these for a family dinner or casual gathering.
I love to make more than we need because leftover quesadillas are quick to heat up and eat on the go if needed. You can store them in an airtight container for 3-5 days in your refrigerator. I hope you love this beef quesadilla recipe too.
Can I Make These Spicy?
Definitely!
If you like your quesadillas with a little kick, there are several easy ways to add heat.
Try adding:
- Red pepper flakes to the ground beef
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Diced jalapeños
- Your favorite hot sauce
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
You can make the beef as mild or spicy as your family likes.
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadilla
Equipment
- frying pan
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups cheese I prefer Mexican cheese blend
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Cook your ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat. Season with garlic salt and taco seasoning.
- Set aside cooked ground beef in a bowl, turn off burner, and and wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
- Add butter to the pan and turn it to medium. Once butter has melted, swirl the butter to coat the bottom of the pan. Add one flour tortilla to the butter.
- Add ¼ cup of cheese to one side of the tortilla. Add ¼ of the ground beef on top of the cheese.
- Add another ¼ cup of cheese on top of the ground beef. Fold the other side of the tortilla on top and press down with spatula.
- Cook for about 2 minutes per side. Flip and repeat on the other side.
- Repeat until you've made all your quesadillas.
FAQs About Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas work great for a gluten-free option, but they may be less flexible. Warm them slightly before folding to prevent cracking.
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the quesadillas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cook just before serving for the best texture.
What other proteins can I use?
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork for a different twist.
Easy Ways to Reheat Quesadillas
For the crispiest leftovers, reheat the quesadillas in a skillet or air fryer rather than the microwave.
The microwave will warm them quickly, but the tortilla won’t have the same crispy texture.
If using a skillet, warm over medium-low heat until heated through and crisp.
What Else Can I Add to Ground Beef Quesadillas?
Think of this recipe as a starting point.
You can add all sorts of ingredients depending on what you have in the refrigerator.
Try adding:
Diced Bell Peppers
Cook them with the ground beef for a little extra flavor and color.
Black Beans
A few spoonfuls of black beans can make the quesadillas even more filling.
Corn
Sweet corn is delicious with seasoned ground beef and cheese.
Diced Jalapeños
Add jalapeños for a spicy version.
Green Onions
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the filling before folding.
Leftover Taco Toppings
Have leftover taco toppings in the refrigerator?
Throw them into a quesadilla!
Think of this recipe as a starting point.
You can add all sorts of ingredients depending on what you have in the refrigerator.
Try adding:
Diced Bell Peppers
Cook them with the ground beef for a little extra flavor and color.
Black Beans
A few spoonfuls of black beans can make the quesadillas even more filling.
Corn
Sweet corn is delicious with seasoned ground beef and cheese.
Diced Jalapeños
Add jalapeños for a spicy version.
Green Onions
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the filling before folding.
Leftover Taco Toppings
Have leftover taco toppings in the refrigerator?
Throw them into a quesadilla!
Ground Beef Quesadillas for Game Day
Don’t save these just for dinner.
They’re also great for game day, casual parties and gatherings.
Cut each quesadilla into smaller wedges and serve them with little bowls of salsa, sour cream and guacamole for dipping.
They’re easy to grab, easy to eat and easy to customize.
Easy Ground Beef Quesadillas
I love recipes that don’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated instructions, and these ground beef quesadillas definitely fit that description.
Seasoned ground beef, melty cheese and crispy tortillas come together for a quick meal that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough that you’ll want to make it again.
And if you have leftover ground beef?
Even better!
So grab some tortillas and cheese, and turn that ground beef into something the whole family will love.
Absolutely wonderful