Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion! These Pico de Gallo Ground Beef Quesadillas are not just a meal; they are an experience that brings the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. With a crispy exterior, savory ground beef, and the fresh zing of pico de gallo, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t miss out—let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out and having them ready. Chop fresh pico de gallo if not pre-made, ensuring tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños are finely diced.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook for approximately 7-8 minutes until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary. Reduce heat to medium-low and mix in 1/2 cup of pico de gallo with the cooked ground beef, allowing flavors to blend for 2-3 minutes.
- Lay out flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with shredded cheese, then top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
- Fold the tortillas in half, creating a half-moon shape. Press gently to ensure even filling distribution.
- Clean the skillet and return to medium heat. Carefully transfer quesadillas to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove quesadillas from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Cut each quesadilla into triangular wedges.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with remaining fresh pico de gallo on top or on the side. Optional: Add sour cream or guacamole as additional accompaniments.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare your pico de gallo in advance. Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro can be chopped and stored in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
- Choose Your Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese can give your quesadillas a nice kick!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the quesadillas, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to uneven cooking and soggy tortillas.
- Perfectly Crispy Quesadillas: For an extra crispy texture, brush the outside of the tortillas with a little olive oil before placing them in the skillet.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to your quesadilla filling, such as black beans, corn, or even sautéed peppers for a more robust dish.
- Serve with Style: Elevate your presentation by serving the quesadillas with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or additional pico de gallo for dipping.
- Rest Before Cutting: Allow the quesadillas to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese set and makes cutting them easier without spilling the filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 526kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
