Ingredients
Scale
- 450 grams ground beef, preferably 80 percent lean
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once warm, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it gently with a spoon. Let it brown without rushing to build flavor.
- Once the beef has lost its pink color, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Add tomato paste and water, then reduce the heat slightly. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until thick but not dry. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle a layer of cheese over one half of each tortilla. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese, then add another light layer of cheese on top. Fold the tortillas to enclose the filling.
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Place the assembled quesadillas in the pan and cook until the bottom is golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is evenly browned.
- Remove from the pan and let rest briefly before slicing. Serve warm with simple sides like salsa or yogurt for dipping.
Notes
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using GF tortillas)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg