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Four pieces of cheesy beef and caramelized onion quesadillas stacked on a plate with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side.
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5 / 3 votes

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Mains
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 quesadillas
Calories: 666

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
US - Metric

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