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Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Oven Recipe

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4.2 from 51 reviews

This Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Oven Recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is sautéed with peppers, onions, and flavorful spices, then combined with melted mozzarella cheese inside crispy, golden tortillas baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite dips for a satisfying and delicious dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

  • 2 tbsp oil of choice
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • Splash of water (to deglaze)

For the Quesadillas

  • 3 large tortillas, cut in half
  • 4 tbsp garlic butter
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they soften.
  2. Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it apart, until the meat is no longer pink.
  3. Season and Deglaze: Season with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir in the tomato paste thoroughly. If the pan looks dry or you want to lift the flavors from the bottom, add a small splash of water to deglaze. Set the mixture aside.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the quesadillas.
  5. Assemble Quesadillas: Cut the tortillas in half. On the center of each half, add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture on top. Fold each tortilla half into a triangle shape and set aside.
  6. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a round baking dish with garlic butter. Arrange the folded quesadillas in the dish. Brush the tops with additional garlic butter and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese for a cheesy crust.
  7. Bake: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas turn golden and crispy.
  8. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dips such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, if mozzarella is unavailable.
  • For extra crispiness, consider broiling the quesadillas for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
  • If you prefer spicier quesadillas, add diced jalapeños or sprinkle chili powder inside before baking.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
  • Using fresh garlic butter adds a rich flavor, but store-bought butter works as well.