Cheesy Beef and Caramelized Onion Quesadillas
The earthy sweetness of caramelized onion smashed on top of ground beef is a bit reminiscent of a patty melt, while a dose of BBQ spices and two kinds of cheese take this decadent dinner into a territory all its own.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably 80/20
- 2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade BBQ Spice Rub
- 3 tablespoons water
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sixteen (8-inch) tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups caramelized onions
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- Hot sauce, sliced avocado, jalapeños, and/or sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Place the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the beef to a colander set over a bowl to drain off the fat.
- Return the beef to the skillet over medium heat. Add the spice rub and 3 tablespoons water and stir to combine. Cook, stirring, until the water has been absorbed, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a medium skillet or griddle over medium heat, warm 1 teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is glistening, working with one or two at a time, add the tortillas and sprinkle each with 1/4 cup each of mozzarella, beef, caramelized onions, and Cheddar, then top with another tortilla. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the mozzarella is melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the quesadilla and cook until the other tortilla is golden brown and the cheddar is melted, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients, adding 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet for every quesadilla.
☞ TESTER TIP: To keep these quesadillas warm while you finish cooking, pop them on a sheet pan and into a 200°F (95°C) oven.
- To serve, cut each quesadilla in quarters. Serve with desired toppings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1quesadilla | Calories: 666kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 1093mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g