Beef Quesadillas
Mexican Recipes

Beef Quesadillas

On the Hob
serves 4

These beef quesadillas are a fast pan-fried dinner with spiced mince, softened peppers and plenty of melted cheese tucked inside crisp tortillas.

Cook the filling until it is dry and savoury before assembling, then toast each quesadilla in a clean pan so the outside turns golden while the cheese holds everything together. Serve in wedges with salsa, soured cream or guacamole for dipping.

DinnerSnackWrapQuick
10 mins prep20 mins cook30 mins total

  1. Warm the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and pepper with a pinch of salt, then cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and starting to colour.

  2. Add the beef mince and break it up with a wooden spoon. Fry for 5–6 minutes until browned all over and any excess liquid has cooked away.

  3. Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder and tomato purée. Cook for 1 minute, then add a splash of water and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the beef is glossy and well seasoned.

  4. Taste the filling and adjust with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime if you like. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the pan.

  5. Lay a tortilla in the dry pan over a medium heat. Scatter cheese over one half, spoon over some beef filling, add a little more cheese, then fold the tortilla over to enclose.

  6. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is crisp and golden and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

  7. Rest each quesadilla for a minute before cutting into wedges. Serve with salsa, soured cream, guacamole, jalapeños or coriander.

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