Cheesy Beef & Guacamole Quesadillas

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.

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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

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until spices are well incorporated. Remove from heat.

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Step 2: Make the Guacamole

1. In a bowl, mash avocados until smooth.
2. Add chopped tomato, onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix well.
3. Set aside.

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Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
2. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
3. Add a generous spoon of beef filling.
4. Add a spoonful of guacamole.
5. Top with a little more cheese (this helps seal the quesadilla).
6. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.

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Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Add a small amount of butter or oil.
3. Place quesadilla on the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
4. Remove and cut into wedges.

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Step 5: Serve

• Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or extra guacamole.

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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.

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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.

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Storage

• Cooked quesadillas can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days.
• Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness (microwave makes them soggy).