Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Ever have one of those nights when you just want something quick, cheesy, and guaranteed to make everyone happy? That's exactly how these cheesy ground beef quesadillas came into my life! After a particularly chaotic Tuesday when Emily had dance class running late and I hadn't even thought about dinner, I threw these together with what I had in the fridge.

The combination of savory seasoned beef, sweet corn, and that irresistible melty cheese had my family convinced I'd spent hours planning this meal. (Little did they know it took me less than 30 minutes start to finish!)

If you're looking for more Mexican-inspired favorites, you might also want to check out my Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas for a spicy twist on the classic quesadilla that pairs perfectly with the same sides you'd serve with this beef version.

Why You Will Like This Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadilla Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge
• The combination of beef and corn creates amazing flavor and texture
• Kid-friendly but tasty enough to satisfy adult cravings too
• Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
• Makes great leftovers (if there are any!)
• Perfect for meal prep – make the filling ahead and assemble when ready

Ingredients for Ground Beef Quesadillas

• ½ teaspoon olive oil (or any cooking oil you have on hand)
• ¼ onion, diced
• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 90/10 but 80/20 works too)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup salsa (use your favorite!)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 8 flour tortillas (soft taco size, 6-8 inches works best)
• 3 cups cheddar or Monterey jack cheese (about 8 ounces)

How to Make the Best Ground Beef Quesadillas

Preparing the Beef Filling

1. In a large wide pan or skillet, warm the oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown.
2. Place the ground beef in the pan and begin browning it. After a minute or two when the beef starts to brown, break it up with a spatula and continue stirring until no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the meat.

1. Return the pan to low heat. Add the taco seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, tomato paste, salsa, and frozen corn to the ground beef. Turn the heat up to medium-high.
2. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the corn is warm. Turn off the burner and set the pan of meat aside.

Assembling and Cooking the Quesadillas

1. Place a tortilla in the middle of a large cutting board. Add about two tablespoons of cheese to half of the tortilla.
2. Add a few spoonfuls of the ground beef mixture (about ¼ cup) over the cheese, then top with another sprinkle of cheese (about 2 tablespoons).
3. Fold the tortilla in half to make a half-moon shape. Repeat for each quesadilla.
4. Turn the heat to medium-high and spray a clean skillet lightly with oil. Place a quesadilla carefully in the pan and heat each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, then remove with a spatula and set aside.

1. Repeat with each quesadilla until all are golden brown, adding a little more pan spray about every two quesadillas. (The first quesadilla almost always takes longer to brown, with each subsequent one browning faster.)
2. Slice each quesadilla in half into triangles, then serve and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

I've made these quesadillas countless times (seriously, my family requests them at least twice a month), and I've picked up some tricks along the way!

When it comes to the ground beef, I definitely prefer leaner meat like 90/10. If you use something like 80/20, drain it really well and then place it on a few layers of paper towels to remove any excess oil. Too much grease makes for soggy quesadillas – and nobody wants that!

Want to know my secret for extra crispy quesadillas? Make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the quesadilla. If the pan isn't hot enough, the tortilla will soak up oil rather than crisp up.

Do you ever struggle with keeping the filling inside? Here's a trick: create a cheese "glue" by sprinkling cheese first, then adding the filling, then topping with more cheese. When it melts, it holds everything together perfectly!

What about leftovers? You can actually prep the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then just assemble and cook fresh quesadillas whenever you're ready to eat. Talk about meal prep made easy!

Have you tried these with different cheeses? While cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to options, a Mexican cheese blend works beautifully too. Or try pepper jack if you want a little extra kick!

Storage and Reheating

If by some miracle you have leftover quesadillas (this rarely happens at my house!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I find a skillet works best to restore that crispy exterior. Just warm them over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side. You can also use a toaster oven set to 350°F for about 5 minutes.

The microwave works in a pinch (1 minute on 50% power), but the tortilla won't stay as crisp.

Want to freeze them? Assemble the quesadillas but don't cook them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, just add an extra minute per side.

Variations of Beef Quesadillas

These cheesy ground beef quesadillas are perfect as is, but there are so many ways to make them your own! Here are some ideas I've tried and loved:

• Add a small can of drained green chiles for a mild heat
• Mix in some black beans for extra protein and fiber
• Try adding diced bell peppers with the onions for extra veggies
• Swap the corn for diced zucchini (Emily didn't notice the difference!)
• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option
• Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the outside of the tortilla before cooking for extra flavor
• Try corn tortillas instead of flour for a different texture and flavor

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Quesadillas

These quesadillas are definitely a meal on their own, but I love serving them with some fresh sides to round things out. My family's favorites include:

• Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sour cream for dipping
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Pico de gallo or your favorite salsa
• Mexican rice
• Black beans
• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette

For a fun dinner party idea, create a quesadilla bar! Prepare the beef filling and set out bowls of different toppings and cheeses, then let everyone assemble their own custom quesadilla. I did this for Emily's 10th birthday party and it was a huge hit with both the kids and adults!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Quesadillas

Recipes You May Like

• Asian-Inspired Beef Lettuce Wraps – Another quick and delicious way to use ground beef with bold flavors
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders – If you enjoy these beef quesadillas, you'll love these cheesy, savory sliders
• Reuben Sandwich Sliders – Another handheld favorite perfect for quick meals or game day

Final Thoughts on Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

These cheesy ground beef quesadillas have become a staple in our household for good reason. They're quick to make, use simple ingredients, and never fail to please even the pickiest eaters (and believe me, Emily went through a VERY picky phase!).

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy lunch option, or even party food that everyone will devour. The combination of seasoned beef, sweet corn, and melty cheese between crispy tortillas is just unbeatable.

Give these a try the next time you need a dinner win – I promise they'll earn a spot in your regular rotation too!