Description

Craving something cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor? These Golden Melty Quesadillas are a quick dinner solution and a family favorite that hits all the right notes. Perfectly toasted flour tortillas are folded around juicy seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and peppers, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Whether you need a last-minute meal, easy recipe for kids, or dinner ideas that please a crowd, this dish delivers. They’re great for meal prepping, serve well with dips like salsa or guac, and make a delicious snack, easy dinner, or food idea for gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

6 large flour tortillas

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with Monterey Jack)

1 tablespoon butter

Sour cream (optional)

Fresh salsa or pico de gallo (optional)

Guacamole (optional)

Jalapeños (optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.

2. Add bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes.

3. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook fully and drain excess fat.

4. Mix in diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Lay out tortillas. On one half, sprinkle cheese, add beef mixture, and top with more cheese. Fold over.

6. Heat skillet to medium and grease with butter. Cook folded tortillas for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

7. Let rest 1 minute, then slice into wedges.

8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

For the best melt, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-bagged varieties.

Preheat the skillet to medium—too hot and the tortillas will burn before the cheese melts.

Resting quesadillas for 1 minute before slicing keeps the filling from spilling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
Calories: 410
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: quesadillas, beef dinner, quick meal, cheesy quesadilla, easy dinner, food ideas, Mexican recipe, weeknight dinner