This Beef Quesadilla recipe is a simple dinner recipe that everyone will love. The sauce in this quesadilla recipe is perfection!
Quesadillas are a staple in our house. They make for such easy weekend lunches, and we even make them on our outdoor griddle so we can make them for everyone at once.
While the kids love them with only cheese, Nathan and I are big fans of the copycat Taco Bell quesadillas. In this recipe, we’ve swapped the chicken out for ground beef, thrown in a little homemade taco seasoning, and we are in business with an easy, delicious dinner!
This recipe was delicious! I loved the creaminess the sauce added. Yum. It was also so easy to make. I can’t wait to make it again.
Quesadilla Sauce
It is the Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce that puts their quesadillas over the top! The ingredients for the sauce are probably already in your pantry. This takes just a few minutes to whip together and makes for amazing cheesy ground beef quesadillas.
How to Make Ground Beef Quesadillas
Here is a brief overview of how this beef quesadilla recipe comes together. For the full recipe, including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step 1: Cook the Meat
We are just breaking up and browning the ground beef in a skillet. Then drain the fat and add a little taco seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
The quesadilla sauce is very simple to make, but needs to be prepped before you start heating up the skillet.
Step 3: Build the Quesadilla in a Skillet
Heat a skillet over low heat and add a little cooking spray. Add half of the quesadilla sauce to one side of a tortilla shell and put it in the pan. Then add a little of the ground beef mixture and cheese, and top with the remaining tortilla shell.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Quesadillas cook best covered and over low heat. After two or three minutes, flip the quesadilla and recover, cooking two to three more minutes on the opposite side.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Grating Your Own Cheese
I am convinced that, in addition to that delicious sauce, the key to a good quesadilla is shredding your own cheese. It both melts and tastes better. Given how simple this recipe is, it is well worth the extra five minutes to grate your own cheese.
Our family loves Colby Jack Cheese. Like, we alone might be supporting its production. But this beef quesadilla would also be delightful with some mild cheddar. The best cheese for quesadillas is going to be one that melts well.
Using Ground Turkey or Chicken
If you are looking to cut down on fat a little, think about replacing the ground beef in these with ground turkey. Pick a turkey that is 83% lean and cook that the same way we cook the ground beef in this recipe.
You could also use cooked chicken to make chicken quesadillas or veggies for a vegetarian option.
Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
How to Make an Air Fryer Quesadilla
You can also make these beef quesadillas in the air fryer. This is a great option if you cook the beef ahead of time. Simply layer your tortilla with sauce, cooked ground beef with taco seasoning, cheese, and other tortilla in the basket of your air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla reaches your desired crispiness.
How to Serve Quesadillas
These quesadillas are delicious as-is, or can be served with sour cream, salsa, pico de Gallo, guacamole, or my delicious Taco Bell Quesadilla sauce for topping or dipping! Some Corn Salad or Instant Pot Pinto Beans would be great sides with your quesadilla.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. These reheat great in the air fryer, but you can also reheat them in the microwave, oven, or in a smaller skillet on the stovetop. If you have extra meat for this recipe, I recommend storing it in its own container and making a quesadilla when you are ready to eat it.
Other Simple Dinners
If you are looking for other great dinners that are simple like this one, try some of these:
If you make this beef quesadilla recipe or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Beef Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 4 10 inch flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Quesadilla Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise see note
- 2 teaspoons minced pickled jalapeños
- 2 teaspoons pickled jalapeño juice
- 3/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef. Cook until cooked through, drain the excess fat from the pan, and stir in the taco seasoning.1/2 pound ground beef, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce.1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons minced pickled jalapeños, 2 teaspoons pickled jalapeño juice, 3/4 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Place a large skillet that you can fit with a lid over low heat.
- Divide the sauce in two and spread over two of the tortillas.4 10 inch flour tortillas
- Working with one tortilla at a time, spray the skillet with a very small amount of cooking spray. Place the tortilla (that has been prepared with the sauce) in the skillet. Sprinkle on half the cheese, half the beef, and top it with another tortilla shell.3 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the shell begins to turn golden brown. Cover it while it is cooking. Flip it over, recover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Slice with a pizza cutter and enjoy.
Notes
Patricia Morris says
The recipe looks great but absolutely nobody I know here in Texas, including my mexican neighbours, have or heard of pickled jalapenos. Can you recommend a substitute for this?
I think it’s okay to use ingredients you’ve never heard of. Pickled jalapeños are delicious, we love them. If you can’t find them in your grocery store, you could use green chiles instead.
Boni says
This recipe was delicious! I loved the creaminess the sauce added. Yum. It was also so easy to make. I can’t wait to make it again.
I’m so happy you liked this, Boni!
Patricia Morris says
I’m not afraid to use new ingredients, it was intended more as a commentary on having never seen them at any of the stores we frequent. I did find the recipe for the pickled jalapenos so will give them a try and maybe sure them, and your recipe, with my neighbours. ☺️
Dana Loan says
I just made these for a quick lunch, using some leftover chicken I had instead of ground beef. It was so good. I’m not usually a fan of mayo but wanted to try this… so glad I did!
I’m so glad you liked it! We have the chicken version too, and make it exactly as you suggested.
PATSY HOTZ says
I would like your Quiche recipes. Thank you. Patsy
I have a few! Ham and cheese quiche, asparagus quiche, crustless vegetable quiche, Quiche Lorraine, and a crustless spinach quiche.