Dinner

Golden Melty Quesadillas with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

BySarah Summers October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Golden Melty Quesadillas are the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Filled with savory ground beef, tender veggies, and gooey cheddar cheese, these crispy quesadillas come together quickly and satisfy hungry appetites all at once.

The image shows a close-up of a stack of three triangular quesadillas on a white plate. Each quesadilla is filled with cooked ground beef mixed with small red pepper pieces, which is visible spilling out slightly from the edges. The outer tortilla layers are golden brown with a crispy texture, showing small toasted spots and a few green herb bits on the surface. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a bowl with shredded cheese is visible in the background. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 large flour tortillas
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter or more olive oil for pan-frying

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Step 4: Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Lay out tortillas and sprinkle cheese on half. Add beef filling, top with more cheese, and fold over.
Step 7: Heat butter or oil in a skillet and cook quesadillas 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Step 8: Let rest for 1 minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for extra melty texture and flavor.
Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans to cater to different dietary preferences.
Try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the filling for a spicy kick.
For crispier quesadillas, press them gently with a spatula while cooking.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispness or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three stacked quesadilla slices on a white plate, each slice filled with browned, cooked ground beef mixed with small pieces of red pepper and green herbs. The outer tortillas are crispy and golden-brown with some darker toasted spots, and the beef filling is visible at the open edges of the triangular slices. The overall look is warm and savory with a mix of yellow and brown tones, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze cooked quesadillas by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in a skillet or oven from frozen.