Description
These Golden Melty Quesadillas are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is cooked with sautéed peppers and onions, then layered with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses inside warm flour tortillas. Pan-toasted until golden and gooey, they make a perfect dinner or party snack served with your favorite dips.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for pan-toasting)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to prevent sogginess.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
- Sauté Vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the skillet; add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay one tortilla flat. On one half, layer shredded cheddar cheese, then the cooked beef and veggie mixture, and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to encase the filling.
- Toast Quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Add butter or oil, and cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the quesadillas to rest for 1 minute to set before slicing into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole as desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, press down on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free adaptation, but be careful when folding as they are less pliable.
- Leftover quesadillas can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
