Description
This cheeseburger quesadilla combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and havarti, and a crispy tortilla for a quick, comforting stovetop meal. It’s an easy family-friendly dinner that delivers classic burger flavors in a simple, shareable format.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
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1 cup chopped onion
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 cup roughly chopped spinach (or baby kale)
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½ teaspoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro (optional)
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4 teaspoons unsalted butter, divided
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8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
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1 cup shredded havarti
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Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes.
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Transfer the beef to a colander to drain excess fat. Carefully wipe the skillet clean.
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Return the skillet to medium heat and add the vegetable or olive oil. Add the chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the tomato paste, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and chili powder. Cook for about 1 minute, until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined.
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Return the drained beef to the skillet and stir until evenly blended. Stir in the cilantro if using.
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Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl. Wash and dry the skillet, or use a clean skillet.
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Combine the shredded cheddar and havarti in a separate bowl.
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Place the skillet over medium heat and add ½ teaspoon of butter. Once melted, place one tortilla in the pan.
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Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over half of the tortilla. Add 1/8 of the beef mixture, then top with another 2 tablespoons of cheese.
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Fold the bare half of the tortilla over the filling, cover the pan, and cook for about 2 minutes until the bottom is golden and the cheese begins to melt.
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Flip the quesadilla and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes until the underside is browned and the cheese is fully melted.
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Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute before slicing into wedges.
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Repeat with remaining butter, tortillas, cheese, and beef mixture.
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Serve warm with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges.
Notes
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Drain the beef well to keep the quesadillas from becoming greasy.
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Keep heat at medium to allow cheese to melt evenly without burning the tortilla.
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Covering the pan helps melt the cheese faster on the first side.
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Let quesadillas rest briefly before slicing for cleaner wedges.