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High Protein Ground Beef Quesadilla

Close-up of a high protein ground beef quesadilla with melted cheese and crispy edges.

A delicious and protein-packed ground beef quesadilla loaded with cheese and served crispy for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 large whole wheat flour tortillas (10-inch)
2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup salsa, for serving
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, for serving

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute to toast the spices.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the black beans and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
Heat a clean large skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush lightly with olive oil.
Place one tortilla on the skillet and evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla.
Spread 1/4 of the beef and bean mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle another 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.
Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling and press gently with a spatula.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is fully melted.
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 1 minute before cutting into wedges.
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve the quesadillas warm with salsa and plain Greek yogurt on the side.