Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside… these quesadillas are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a family treat!
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
500 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or coriander
For the Quesadillas
8 large flour tortillas
3 cups shredded mozzarella + cheddar cheese mix
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Optional Extras
Sliced olives
Corn kernels
Jalapeños
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Method
Step 1 – Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until soft and golden.
Add garlic and bell pepper, cook 1 minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper and salt.
Add tomato paste and water, mix well.
Simmer 5 minutes until thick and juicy.
Turn off heat and mix in parsley or coriander.
Step 2 – Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a tortilla flat.
Sprinkle a layer of cheese over half of it.
Add beef filling evenly.
Add another layer of cheese.
Fold the tortilla in half.
Step 3 – Cook
Heat a pan with a little butter.
Cook each quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Cheese should be fully melted.
Step 4 – Serve
Cut into triangles.
Serve hot with sour cream, salsa or guacamole.
Tips
Use chicken or turkey instead of beef if you like.
Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use spicy cheese for a hot version.