Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadilla Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cheese for quesadillas? ›

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are standards of American-style quesadillas. But if you are planning ahead, consider that freshly grated cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack makes the meltiest quesadillas.

Only use about two heaping tablespoons of filling per large tortilla. Prepping your filling ahead of time is a good idea, making sure there's equal parts cheese to protein and/or vegetable. You want to use enough cheese because it will hold the whole thing together. Too little, and your filling will fall out.

Traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca cheese or Chihuahua cheese are commonly used in quesadillas because they melt easily and have a mild, slightly salty flavor. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and mozzarella.

Toasting both sides of the tortillas takes an extra minute of your time but the results are more than worth it. It gives the tortilla a chance to better crisp up, withstanding any soggy fillings you might add. It makes the quesadilla easier to eat and easier to dunk in salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Heat your skillet over medium heat, pour in your oil, and add the first tortilla. Top with cheese and any other filling ingredients, making sure to evenly distribute them across the tortilla, then place the other tortilla over top. Cook until golden brown, then *carefully* flip the quesadilla and cook the other side.

Once it's hot, lay in a tortilla and sprinkle with two tablespoons of the cheese mix, making sure you leave a decent border all around the edge. When the cheese begins to melt, add a few slices of chilli and a pinch of epazote (or oregano), and fold over the tortilla, pressing it down to help seal it.

Add just a few minutes to your prep time, and throw together my delicious 5 Minute Avocado Sauce - it's the perfect dip for your quesadilla! Spice it up! When you put the cheese on the tortilla, sprinkle with some chili powder, paprika, and cumin to add a little kick, or use your favorite taco seasoning.

You could use butter but it has a tendency to burn. If you want the flavor of butter on your quesadillas melt a tablespoon in the microwave, stir in a little cooking oil and brush it on your tortillas. No, warm skillet enough to melt the cheese and warm other ingredients. The tortilla should brown on both sides.

Too much fat will make your quesadilla soggy instead of crispy. Use just enough to coat the bottom of your skillet — about 1/2 teaspoon of butter or oil. Warm it in the skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the tortilla and top with cheese.

These quesadillas are made with hummus instead of cheese, and they are absolutely delicious! Hummus quesadillas are a healthy dairy-free and vegan meal.

Should I cook quesadilla in oil or butter? ›

The oil promotes even browning and makes the tortilla nice and crispy. You could use butter but it has a tendency to burn. If you want the flavor of butter on your quesadillas melt a tablespoon in the microwave, stir in a little cooking oil and brush it on your tortillas.

If you use pre-shredded cheese, I recommend using the thick-cut. Use a Mexican cheese if you can. Mexican melting cheeses like queso Oaxaca (quesillo), Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla are the best Mexican cheese for quesadillas. If you can't find any in a store near you, I recommend using Monterey Jack.

Queso asadero is Mexican cheese that's great for melting. It is soft, white and creamy with a mild taste, and is often used to make pizzas, quesadillas and queso fundido.

Cotija, either crumbled or grated will be the most authentic. Alternates would be Añejo, Enchilado or Chihuahua. For additional richness, crema (a sour cream product) can be added. Other Mexican cheeses like panela, queso asadero and queso fresco do not have much in the way of flavor to effectively garnish a taco.