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Beef Quesadillas

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Beef Quesadillas have got to be up there with one of my family’s favourite things to eat. Because who doesn’t love a crispy tortilla stuffed with a flavourful minced (ground) beef filling accompanied with loads of melty, gooey cheese!

Beef Quesadillas

These are made even better by being laced with tomato salsa and an avocado dip, which is well worth whipping out your food processor for (although admittedly I’ve made these several times and served them with plain yoghurt, which is equally delicious)! Aside from the fact that my family loves eating these, I also love making them. They are so incredibly easy, they allow me to use up any veggies I have in the fridge and they are freezer-friendly, so I can make a double batch, ready for when I need it. 

What are some Beef Quesadilla filling variations?

The options are limitless, try adding frozen corn, spinach leaves, black beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, shredded zucchini (courgette) or even olives.

How do I get my Beef Quesadilla extra crispy?

Get extra crispy quesadillas by allowing your filling to cool completely before assembling.

Can I make Beef Quesadillas in the oven?

Yes! Beef Quesadillas can be made in the oven, perfect for when you are feeding a crowd. Make sure your filling has cooled completely. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) (200°C/400°F fan-forced). Spray a baking tray with olive oil spray and place it in the oven to warm up, for at least 10 minutes. Form the tortillas as per the recipe while you wait for the tray to warm (divide the filling between the tortillas, covering half, top with cheese, then fold over the empty side of the tortilla to enclose). Transfer the quesadillas onto the baking tray and bake for 8 minutes. Flip using a spatula and bake for a further 8 minutes or until crispy. Serve immediately!

Watch how to make Beef Quesadillas

Can assembled Beef Quesadillas be frozen?

Yes! Simply assemble the quesadillas as per the recipe and then freeze before cooking. Place them in reusable sandwich bags or airtight containers. Thaw by placing them in the microwave for 30–40 seconds, then cook as per the recipe.

Beef Quesadillas

Beef Quesadillas

Author: Nicole
5 from 11 votes
“Yum was a hit with the whole family! That Avacado dip was next level goodness xx”
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Beef Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal option that are perfect for using up the leftover veggies in your crisper. Customise the toppings to suit your family’s tastes and serve with creamy avocado dip or plain yoghurt to keep this an extra fuss-free, easy family dinner!
Prep 12 minutes
Cook 18 minutes
Total 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

TOMATO SALSA
  • 2 tomatoes, finely diced
  • ½ bunch coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
AVOCADO DIP
  • 1 avocado
  • 80 g (⅓ cup) plain yoghurt
  • ½ bunch coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
  • ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp water (or more), to loosen as required
BEEF FILLING
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 500 g (1 lb) lean minced (ground) beef
  • ½ capsicum (bell pepper), finely diced
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) water
TO ASSEMBLE
  • 4 large tortillas
  • 125 g (1 cup) freshly grated melting cheese, e.g. colby or cheddar

Equipment

Instructions

  • Make the tomato salsa – Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Make the avocado dip – Add all the ingredients, except the water, to a food processor. Blend until smooth for 1–2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, blending after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside. 
  • Cook the beef filling – Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. 
  • Add the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Add the capsicum and cook for a further 2 minutes. 
  • Add the remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool slightly. 
  • Assemble – One by one, heat the tortillas in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat for 30 seconds. Flip the tortilla and spoon one-quarter of the filling onto one half of the tortilla. Top it with one-quarter of the cheese. Fold the empty side of the tortilla over to enclose the filling. Use your spatula to quickly flip the tortilla over. Cook for 30 seconds or until crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. 
  • Serve – Allow to cool slightly. Stuff with the tomato salsa, cut into thirds and serve with the avocado dip on the side. 

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Beef Quesadillas
Amount per Serving
Calories
621
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
39
g
60
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
17
g
Cholesterol
 
115
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
1794
mg
78
%
Potassium
 
1129
mg
32
%
Carbohydrates
 
32
g
11
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Protein
 
38
g
76
%
Vitamin A
 
1696
IU
34
%
Vitamin C
 
34
mg
41
%
Calcium
 
352
mg
35
%
Iron
 
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

MAKE AHEAD

Beef Quesadillas are the perfect recipe to make ahead of time, ready for when you need them. 
Beef filling – The beef filling can be made and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely in the fridge overnight prior to assembling the quesadillas as per the recipe.
Assembled quesadillas – Store assembled quesadillas (fill them with the beef filling and cheese, but do not cook them), in an airtight container or reusable sandwich bag, frozen, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the microwave for 30–40 seconds and then cook as per the recipe
Tomato salsa – Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days (it is best to add the lime and salt just before serving).  
Avocado dip – Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. 

LEFTOVERS

Beef Quesadillas are best made and eaten immediately, particularly once the salsa has been added, as they start to soften. 

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course entrée, Main Course, Main dish, quesadillas
Cuisine Mexican

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! I randomly came across this recipe while looking for dinner ideas and just had to try it. I was initially going to leave out the avocado dip but I’m glad I decided not to, it added so much to the quesadillas! Definitely bookmarking and will be making this again!

    • Wonderful to hear, Vicky! Thanks for the rating, Nic x

  2. So easy to make and I love that I can make the mince ahead of time. All of my kids loved it, and that is saying something!

    • Thanks so much for the lovely feedback, Louise! Nic x

  3. I made these exactly to recipe the first time and they were delicious. This time I used a high protein low carb tortilla and they worked just as well. I also added black beans and zucchini to the beef mix and it was yummy. I had to put less salt into the green sauce, salsa and beef (for dietary reasons). It still had a great clean taste when eating. Thanks for your yummy recipes, love them and the book.

    • Hi Penny, thanks so much for sharing this wonderful feedback. I love to hear what tweaks you make and how they work out!! I’m glad you are enjoying the recipes and the book. Nic x

  4. 5 stars
    Yum! Nice change from Taco Tuesday out of a box and the kids loved it just as much. The avocado dip was worth the effort!

  5. 5 stars
    Was a huge hit with the hubby. Really tasty

  6. 5 stars
    Yum was a hit with the whole family! That Avacado dip was next level goodness xx

  7. 5 stars
    This recipe is great. I love that it has all natural ingredients and also tastes delicious! The avocado sauce is excellent and easy to make. Family loved it!

    • 5 stars
      So good! better than store bought seasoning:)

      • Hi Annie, I totally agree! So happy that you enjoyed this! Thanks for the rating, Nic x

  8. 5 stars
    First time making quesadillas and omg! I loved them and my wife said oh yes! You can make these again! They are so tasty, and so easy to make. thank you

  9. 5 stars
    This was sooo yum. The avocado dip was delicious, could have eaten it by the spoon full!

  10. 5 stars
    Delicious!! An instant favourite! Easy to follow recipe too! Can’t wait for the cookbook to arrive!

  11. 5 stars
    Love love love this recipe! So delicious and simple and the kids loved it!

  12. 5 stars
    Another winner. Made as written. Whole family enjoyed.

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.