Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
- 4 large burrito-sized tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced onion, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat as it cooks. Continue until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease or moisture, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Season the meat: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder to the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors. Remove the seasoned meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare to assemble quesadillas: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and melt half a tablespoon of butter. Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet. Evenly sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheese over the entire tortilla. Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over one half of the tortilla.
- Cook the quesadilla: Allow the quesadilla to cook undisturbed until the cheese begins to melt and the tortilla underside turns golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Fold the tortilla over the meat side to create a half-moon shape. If the exterior is not yet golden brown and crispy, continue cooking, flipping the quesadilla to crisp both sides until golden and crispy.
- Repeat and serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas, butter, cheese, and beef to make four quesadillas in total. Once all quesadillas are cooked, cut each into thirds to create three triangles per quesadilla. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep quesadillas from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
- Adjust spices to taste if you prefer less heat or a stronger cumin flavor.
- For extra crispiness, add a little more butter when cooking quesadillas.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an enhanced meal experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
