Ingredients
½ tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (extra lean)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground chipotle chili pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp unsalted beef stock or broth (low sodium or regular)
12 oz shredded cheese blend, divided (about 3 cups; cheddar, Monterey jack, mozzarella recommended)
6 flour tortillas (about 7–8 inches diameter each)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (about 2 tsp per batch for greasing pan)
Salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart, until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed. Add chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir to coat beef in spices.
- Stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Cook for 2–3 minutes until most liquid evaporates and beef mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- Place a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle 2–3 tbsp cheese on one half, add a layer of beef mixture, then top with another layer of cheese. Fold tortilla over filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Heat 2 tsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2–3 folded tortillas in the pan without overcrowding and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding more oil as needed.
- Slice into wedges and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream.
Notes
Reduce cayenne and chipotle chili pepper for a milder flavor.
Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra texture and nutrition.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated before cooking for up to 1 day.
For oven-baked quesadillas, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
