Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Slices with Creamy Dips

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Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Slices with Creamy Dips

Golden, crispy tortillas stuffed with juicy, seasoned beef and rivers of melted cheese—these Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Slices are made to be served hot and sliced for sharing. Every bite delivers crunch, savory beef, stretchy cheese, and rich, creamy dips that take things straight into crave-worthy territory. Perfect for game night, family dinners, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or salsa
  • 2 tablespoons water or beef broth

Quesadillas

  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Butter or oil, for cooking

Creamy Dips

Classic Garlic Sour Cream

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • Salt to taste
  • Squeeze of lime

Spicy Chipotle Dip (optional)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce or adobo
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Add tomato paste (or salsa) and water or broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the beef is juicy, flavorful, and slightly saucy. Remove from heat.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay tortillas flat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over one half of each tortilla.

Spoon the seasoned beef over the cheese, then top with a little more cheese (this helps everything stick together).

Fold tortillas in half to form half-moons.

3. Cook Until Crispy & Melty

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly butter or oil it.

Cook quesadillas in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully melted inside.

Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1–2 minutes.

4. Slice & Serve

Slice each quesadilla into wedges or strips. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

5. Make the Creamy Dips

Garlic Sour Cream:
Mix sour cream, grated garlic, salt, and lime juice until smooth.

Spicy Chipotle Dip:
Stir together mayonnaise (or sour cream), chipotle sauce, and lime juice.

Chill dips briefly or serve right away.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa verde
  • Add pickled jalapeños for extra bite
  • Great as a party platter or casual dinner

Tips for the Best Quesadillas

  • Use medium heat to avoid burning before cheese melts
  • Don’t overfill—melting works better with balance
  • Rest before slicing to keep fillings inside
  • Mix cheeses for maximum melt and flavor

Variations

  • Steak Quesadillas: Use thinly sliced beef
  • Loaded Style: Add sautéed peppers and onions
  • Extra Cheesy: Add cream cheese or queso
  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling

Final Bite

Cheesy, crispy, beefy, and dipped in creamy sauces—these quesadilla slices are the kind of meal that disappears fast and gets requested again tomorrow.

Want me to:

  • Turn this into a sheet-pan version
  • Make it air fryer–friendly
  • Write a short food caption
  • Add nutrition info

Just say the word 😌🧀🔥

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