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Quick Crispy Ground Beef Quesadillas with Avocado Crema

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A fast and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring crispy tortillas filled with spiced ground beef and melty cheese, served with a creamy avocado crema.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Water, as needed to thin the crema

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Avocado Crema: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mash together until smooth, adding water a teaspoon at a time to reach a drizzle-able consistency. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef Filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay one tortilla flat. Spread about ¼ cup shredded cheese over half the tortilla. Spoon ¼ cup ground beef mixture on top, then sprinkle another 2 tablespoons cheese over the meat. Fold tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  5. Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted. Flip carefully, pressing gently for even crisping.
  6. Transfer cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat with remaining quesadillas.
  7. Serve quesadilla wedges with a generous drizzle of avocado crema on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with lime wedges or fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overfill quesadillas to avoid leaking cheese. Cook on medium heat for best melting and crispiness. Press gently while cooking for even melting. Prepare filling ahead for faster assembly. Make avocado crema just before serving to keep it fresh and green. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas carefully. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and cheese with coconut yogurt and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: quesadillas, ground beef, avocado crema, quick dinner, weeknight meal, crispy quesadillas, easy recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/quick-crispy-ground-beef-quesadillas-with-avocado-crema-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinner/