Taco Quesadilla

5 from 5 votes

A simple 4-ingredient dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes!

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword beef quesadilla, ground beef quesadillas, taco quesadilla, taco quesadillas

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Cooling Time 3

Total Time 33

Servings quesadillas

Calories 343kcal

1 lb. ground beef
1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning (such as Old El Paso brand)
⅔ cup water (or the amount of water called for on your package of taco seasoning)
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas (“burrito size”)
3 cups grated sharp cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Optional, for serving: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced red onion, sliced green onion

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the excess grease and return the meat to the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes (stirring often), until the sauce thickens.
Preheat a flat griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. To prepare one quesadilla: Spread ¼ cup of cheese on half of a tortilla. Sprinkle with about ¼ - ½ cup of the taco meat. Add another layer of cheddar on top of the meat. Fold the tortilla over. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to assemble additional quesadillas.
Grease the griddle or large skillet. Cook the quesadillas over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove to a cutting board and allow the quesadilla to cool for a few minutes. Cut into triangles and serve.

How to Cook in a Microwave: Assemble the quesadilla as instructed. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cook on HIGH until the cheese melts (about 1 minute).
How to Cook in the Oven (perfect for feeding a crowd): Assemble the quesadillas as instructed. Brush each side with olive oil (or spritz with olive oil spray) -- this will help the outside get crispy and golden brown in the oven. Place the quesadillas on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 450°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden brown.