Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are a quick, satisfying meal made with seasoned beef and plenty of melted cheese tucked inside crispy tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch, or casual entertaining, this recipe comes together fast using simple pantry ingredients and delivers big flavor every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Crispy outside with melty cheese inside
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Uses simple ingredients
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
Ingredients

- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Remove beef from heat and set aside.
- Place a tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle cheese on one half, add beef, then more cheese.
- Fold tortilla and cook until golden, flipping once.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas. Slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
- Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Mix cheeses for a richer filling.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days
- Freeze cooked quesadillas for up to 2 months
- Reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve with sour cream and salsa
- Pair with guacamole or pico de gallo
- Add a side salad for a complete meal
- Perfect with rice or corn salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the quesadillas, store them covered in the refrigerator, and cook them just before serving.
Can I freeze ground beef quesadillas?
Yes. Cook them fully, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best for quesadillas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and give the best texture.
How do I reheat quesadillas without making them soggy?
Reheat them in a skillet or oven instead of the microwave to keep the tortillas crispy.
Ready to Make It?
These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are crispy, melty, and packed with flavor. They’re a reliable go-to recipe when you need something fast and satisfying.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese. A quick and easy meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
8 flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook ground beef until browned.
3. Season with spices and remove from heat.
4. Place tortilla in skillet and sprinkle cheese on one half.
5. Add beef and more cheese.
6. Fold tortilla and cook until golden on both sides.
7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and slice before serving.
Notes
Do not overfill quesadillas.
Cook on medium heat for even browning.
Best served fresh and hot.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg