Name: High-Protein Beef Quesadilla Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 7 oz / 200 g ground beef; 1 tsp basil; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp chili flakes; 1 tsp cumin; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 scallion, chopped; 2 small bell peppers, chopped; 1 carrot, chopped; 1 cup zucchini, cubed; 1 cup thinly chopped cauliflower; ½ cup greens (arugula and parsley); ½ lemon, squeezed; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup mozzarella cheese; 3 wholegrain tortillas

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This high-protein beef quesadilla is a flavorful and satisfying meal packed with vibrant vegetables and spices. Perfect for a quick dinner, it combines tender ground beef with fresh greens and melty mozzarella inside hearty wholegrain tortillas.

The image shows a close-up of a stack of three folded quesadilla pieces on a wooden board with a white marbled texture background. Each quesadilla piece has a toasted, light brown tortilla layer on top and bottom. Inside, the filling has three distinct layers with rich textures: a layer of melted cheese that stretches slightly between the layers, a layer of ground meat mixed with finely chopped orange and green vegetables, and chunks of cucumber and red bell pepper giving bright green and red pops of color. The quesadilla looks warm and slightly crispy on the edges, with the filling layers visible clearly from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

7oz / 200g ground beef
1 tsp basil
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chili flakes
1 tsp cumin
3 garlic cloves
Squeeze of lemon (1/2 lemon)
1 scallion, chopped
2 small bell peppers, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 cup zucchini, cubed
1 cup thinly chopped cauliflower
½ cup greens (arugula and parsley)
½ cup mozzarella
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
3 wholegrain tortillas

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with basil, coriander, black pepper, chili flakes, and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to evenly brown the meat and toast the spices.
Step 2: Add zucchini, scallions, carrot, cauliflower, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and squeeze in lemon juice. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the fresh greens over the mixture, folding them in gently.
Step 4: Lay one tortilla flat and spread half of the beef and vegetable mixture over one side. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, then fold the tortilla to cover the filling.
Step 5: Place the folded quesadilla in a clean nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Toast each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
Use gluten-free tortillas if you need a gluten-free option.
Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole when serving for extra creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to keep the tortilla crispy, or warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a stack of three folded quesadilla pieces on a wooden board with a white marbled background. Each quesadilla layer has a lightly toasted, golden-brown tortilla with melted cheese stretching slightly between layers. Inside, there is a filling of finely chopped cooked meat mixed with small chunks of green bell peppers, red bell peppers, and diced avocado, adding touches of green and red to the warm brown tones of the meat. The layers are juicy and packed, giving a hearty and colorful look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner option, though cooking times may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative and increase the amount of vegetables to keep it hearty.