Description
Spicy Mince Quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired main course featuring a savory mix of ground beef or turkey, aromatic spices, and melted cheese folded into crispy flour tortillas. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat, these quesadillas can be enjoyed with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
Assembly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to avoid sogginess.
- Season the Filling: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If using, add the rinsed black beans and mix well, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with a layer of shredded cheese. Spoon the spicy mince mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with more shredded cheese. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean and place it back on medium heat. Cook each folded quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and slice into wedges. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the quesadillas just before cooking to save time.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mince mixture.
- Try using a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack and cheddar for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges to brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
