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Loaded ground beef quesadillas sliced on a skillet with melted cheese, seasoned beef, peppers, and crispy golden flour tortillas.

Loaded Ground Beef Quesadillas

These Loaded Ground Beef Quesadillas are quick, cheesy, crispy, and packed with bold flavor. They’re an easy family dinner or game-day favorite that tastes like restaurant comfort food at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper diced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Small splash water
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional toppings: jalapeños cilantro, green onion

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's knife
  • Cheese grater optional if using block cheese

Method
 

Prep
  1. Dice onion and bell pepper small
  2. Shred cheese if using block cheese
  3. Warm tortillas slightly if stiff
Instructions
  1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add butter and let melt.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart well.
  4. Cook beef until slightly crispy in spots.
  5. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
  6. Stir in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and tomato paste.
  7. Add small splash of water and simmer 2–3 minutes until rich and saucy.
  8. Place one large flour tortilla into clean skillet.
  9. Add beef mixture and generous shredded cheese layer.
  10. Fold tortilla and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  11. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  12. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

  • Pepper jack cheese works great for extra flavor.
  • Add jalapeños for heat.
  • Cook on medium heat for crisp tortillas without burning.
  • Don’t overfill quesadillas or they can tear while flipping.