High-Protein Beef Quesadilla Recipe
A flavorful and high-protein beef quesadilla packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Spices
- 7 oz / 200 g ground beef
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp cumin
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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)
Other Ingredients
- ½ lemon, squeezed
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 wholegrain tortillas
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Spices: Heat the 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 about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the zucchini, scallions, carrot, cauliflower, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Stir the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes to combine and begin to soften the vegetables. Reduce the heat and keep cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Tomato Paste and Lemon Juice: Stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the fresh greens (arugula and parsley) on top, allowing their freshness to infuse into the filling.
- Assemble Quesadilla: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over one half of each wholegrain tortilla. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of the filling, then fold the tortilla over to cover the filling, forming a half-moon shape.
- Toast Quesadilla: Heat a clean nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Toast each folded quesadilla on both sides until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside, about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use wholegrain tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Feel free to swap the mozzarella for a low-fat cheese to reduce fat content.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- The Quesadilla can be served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side for extra flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with a plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein or mushrooms.
Keywords: Beef quesadilla, high-protein, ground beef, wholegrain tortilla, Mexican recipe, healthy quesadilla, stovetop cooking
