Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Griddle or large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Add the red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, red onion, and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Place a tortilla on the griddle and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Spoon a generous amount of the ground beef mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Top with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ground beef mixture.
8. Serve the quesadillas hot, topped with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes 4 quesadillas
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with green bell pepper
- Jalapeno pepper can be substituted with serrano pepper
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack cheese
Variations:
- Add black beans or corn to the ground beef mixture for added texture and flavor
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or queso fresco
- Serve with guacamole or hot sauce for extra heat
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through before adding the vegetables and spices
- Use a griddle or large skillet to cook the quesadillas for even heat distribution
- Don't overfill the quesadillas with the ground beef mixture to prevent them from falling apart
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Cut the quesadillas into wedges and arrange them on a platter for easy serving
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream on top
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Hot sauce
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of Spanish rice or a simple green salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Spanish rice
- Green salad
- Refried beans
- Corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the quesadillas are falling apart, try using less filling or pressing down on them with a spatula while cooking to help them stick together
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat
Food history:
- Quesadillas originated in Mexico and are traditionally made with corn tortillas and filled with cheese and other ingredients
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, savory, cheesy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for dinner or as a party appetizer
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