Ekani Ella This Authentic Mexican Beef Quesadilla recipe delivers bold flavors, a crispy tortilla exterior, and a gooey, cheesy center. It’s a quick and satisfying dish ideal for weeknight dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers.
What is a Mexican Beef Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish made by filling a tortilla—usually flour—with cheese and other ingredients like seasoned beef, then cooking it until crispy and golden. This beef version is hearty, rich in spices, and incredibly satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Quesadilla
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Deep, authentic flavors – Thanks to classic Mexican spices.
- Crispy outside, cheesy inside – The perfect texture combo.
- Customizable – Easily adapt with your favorite fillings.
- Great for dipping – Pairs perfectly with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Beef Quesadilla
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 250g (½ lb) ground beef
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1½ cups grated Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- Butter or oil for toasting
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Jalapeño ranch
Instructions to Prepare Mexican Beef Quesadilla
1. Sauté the aromatics
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Cook and season the beef
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Mix in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and lime juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes more until well blended. Set aside.
3. Assemble the quesadillas
Lay out a tortilla and spread a layer of cheese on half. Spoon cooked beef over the cheese, sprinkle more cheese on top, and fold the tortilla in half.
4. Cook until crispy
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Brush lightly with butter or oil. Place folded quesadillas in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp.
5. Slice and serve
Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for a minute, then slice into wedges. Serve hot with your favorite dips.
What to Serve with Mexican Quesadillas
- Mexican rice or refried beans – Classic and hearty sides.
- Pico de gallo or corn salad – Fresh and tangy options.
- Simple green salad – Lightens up the dish.
- Tortilla chips and guacamole – Great for dipping.
- A chilled Mexican soda or horchata – Refreshing drink pairing.
Expert Tips for Beef Quesadilla Success
- Use a mix of cheeses – Combines meltiness and flavor.
- Don’t overstuff – Makes flipping easier and avoids tearing.
- Cook on medium heat – Ensures the cheese melts before the tortilla burns.
- Rest before slicing – Helps everything set and stay inside.
- Use a pizza cutter – Clean, easy slicing every time.
Variations of the Recipe
- Add sautéed peppers or mushrooms – Boosts the veggie factor.
- Use leftover steak or shredded beef – Adds depth and texture.
- Try corn tortillas – For a more traditional touch.
- Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Switch protein – Use chicken or black beans for variety.
How to Store Leftovers
- Let quesadillas cool completely before storing.
- Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan or oven to retain crispiness.
How Do I Reheat Beef Quesadillas?
- Stovetop: Heat in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.
- Air fryer: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 4–5 minutes.
- Microwave: Use only if you’re short on time—tortillas may soften.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
How do I keep quesadillas from falling apart?
Use just enough filling to cover the tortilla and press gently while cooking. Allow the cheese to melt and act as a binder before flipping.
What type of cheese works best in beef quesadillas?
Mexican cheese blends, Monterey Jack, or cheddar melt well and offer good flavor. Use a combination for best results.
Can I make beef quesadillas in advance?
Yes, assemble them ahead and store them wrapped in foil. Cook just before serving for the best texture.
How do I keep quesadillas crispy after cooking?
Let them rest on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steam from making them soggy.
Print
Authentic Mexican Beef Quesadilla Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A quesadilla is a traditional Mexican dish made by filling a tortilla—usually flour—with cheese and other ingredients like seasoned beef, then cooking it until crispy and golden. This beef version is hearty, rich in spices, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 250g (½ lb) ground beef
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1½ cups grated Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- Butter or oil for toasting
Instructions
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Mix in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and lime juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes more until well blended. Set aside.
Lay out a tortilla and spread a layer of cheese on half. Spoon cooked beef over the cheese, sprinkle more cheese on top, and fold the tortilla in half.
Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Brush lightly with butter or oil. Place folded quesadillas in the pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp.
Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for a minute, then slice into wedges. Serve hot with your favorite dips.
