Cheesy Beef & Guacamole Quesadillas
Crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful beef and creamy guacamole
These Cheesy Beef & Guacamole Quesadillas are a perfect combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors. Quick to make, they’re ideal for lunch, dinner, or game-day snacks.
Ingredients (Makes 4 quesadillas)
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
For the Guacamole
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
For the Quesadillas
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1–2 tbsp butter or oil for cooking
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until spices are well incorporated. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Guacamole
- In a bowl, mash avocados until smooth.
- Add chopped tomato, onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
- Add a generous spoon of beef filling.
- Add a spoonful of guacamole.
- Top with a little more cheese (this helps seal the quesadilla).
- Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Place quesadilla on the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
- Remove and cut into wedges.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or extra guacamole.
Tips for Perfect Quesadillas
- Don’t overfill; the cheese melts and helps keep everything together.
- Use medium heat to get crispy tortillas without burning.
- Optional: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika or taco seasoning in the beef mixture.
Variations
- Chicken version: Replace beef with shredded cooked chicken.
- Vegetarian: Use beans, corn, and sautéed peppers instead of meat.
- Extra cheesy: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for gooeyness.
Storage
- Cooked quesadillas can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness (microwave makes them soggy).
