Description
Golden, crispy, and loaded with flavorful fillings, these oven-baked quesadillas are a game-changer for quick lunches, snacks, or gatherings. With perfectly melted cheese and a crunchy tortilla shell, this recipe guarantees satisfaction every time.
Ingredients
- 250g (8 oz) ground beef (or chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1/3 cup black beans (canned, drained)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Quesadillas:
- 4 flour tortillas (20cm/8″)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack)
- 3 teaspoons olive oil (for brushing)
Taco Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon each ground garlic, onion powder, and dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon each cumin and paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Serving Options:
- Guacamole, pico de gallo, avocado sauce, or sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan over high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste, black beans, corn, and water. Cook until the mixture is juicy but not watery.
- Transfer to a bowl and let cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (fan-forced).
- Grease a metal baking tray with 1 teaspoon olive oil and spread evenly.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread the cooled filling on one half.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the filling.
- Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
- Place the quesadilla on the prepared tray and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Drizzle 1/2 teaspoon olive oil over the top of each quesadilla.
- Spread the oil over the surface and edges using your hands or a brush.
- Press each quesadilla gently to flatten the surface.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 8 minutes, then flip the quesadillas carefully.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, then flip again and bake for an additional 2 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- For extra crispiness, spritz with a little more oil before the final bake.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut each quesadilla in half and serve immediately.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole, pico de gallo, or sour cream.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the quesadillas to make flipping easier and maintain crispiness.
- Cool the Filling: Using warm filling can make the tortillas soggy.
- Cheese Options: Use good melting cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby for the best texture.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the quesadillas up to 24 hours in advance and bake fresh when needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack/Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican