Description
Crispy oven-baked quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese, offering a quick, family-friendly meal packed with flavor and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil of choice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Splash of water
- 3 large tortillas, cut in half
- 4 tablespoons garlic butter
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
- Season with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir in tomato paste and mix well.
- Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place shredded mozzarella on each tortilla half, add 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture, then fold into a triangle.
- Arrange quesadillas on the tray. Brush tops with garlic butter and sprinkle extra cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until golden, crispy, and cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Avoid overfilling to keep quesadillas crispy.
- Ensure filling is not too wet to prevent sogginess.
- Add beans, corn, or extra vegetables for variation.
- Swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or spicy cheese if desired.
- Can be assembled ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven for best crispiness.
- Freeze for longer storage and bake directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
