Spicy Beef Quesadilla Fiesta: A Cheesy, Meaty Quesadilla Recipe with a Kick
[Image: A mouth-watering Spicy Beef Quesadilla Fiesta, with a crispy tortilla wrapped around a savory filling of spicy beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, served with a side of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.]
Servings: 4-6
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Quesadillas:
- 4-6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spicy Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped cilantro, if using.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Brush one side of each tortilla with a small amount of oil.
- Place one tortilla, oiled side down, in the skillet.
- Sprinkle one-quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the Spicy Beef Filling over the cheese.
- Sprinkle one-quarter of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the beef.
- Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, and shredded lettuce.
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the Spicy Beef Filling.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Add some heat to the quesadillas by sprinkling a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top of the cheese before cooking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or colby jack, for a unique flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Allergen Information:
- Contains: beef, dairy (cheese), gluten (tortillas)
Special Dietary Notes:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein source, such as black beans or roasted vegetables, and use vegan cheese alternatives.
Enjoy your delicious Spicy Beef Quesadilla Fiesta!
