Beef Quesadillas with Salsa (Print Version)
Savory quesadillas packed with seasoned beef, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole. Ideal for easy weeknight dining.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Quesadillas
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→ Salsa
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→ Guacamole
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# How to Make It:
01 - In a bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
02 - Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork. Add tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined. Cover and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent (about 2 minutes). Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until peppers are softened. Remove from heat.
05 - Lay out tortillas. Sprinkle half the cheeses evenly over four tortillas. Top with beef mixture, then sprinkle remaining cheese over beef. Cover with remaining tortillas.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cheese is melted. Remove and let rest 1 minute before slicing into wedges.
07 - Serve hot with salsa and guacamole on the side.
# Expert Advice:
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- The beef filling gets incredibly flavorful from smoked paprika and cumin, spices I always keep in my pantry for exactly these moments
- Homemade salsa and guacamole transform this from ordinary weeknight fare into something that feels like a tiny celebration
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- Drain the beef fat after browning, otherwise your quesadillas will be greasy and the tortillas will not crisp up properly
- Use a sharp knife to cut the quesadillas, a dull blade will drag all the filling out and make a mess
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- If your tortillas are stiff, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for fifteen seconds
- Place a heavy pan on top of each quesadilla while it cooks to press everything together