High-Protein Beef Quesadillas: A Delicious Recipe Reveal!
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A delicious recipe for high-protein beef quesadillas that are easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Author: Lorenzo Bonucci
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Calorie
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 large (10-inch) high-protein or whole-wheat tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tsp water, if needed to thin
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the ground beef and minced garlic. Break the beef into small crumbles with a spatula.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and reaches 160°F.
- Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef mixture to a bowl.
- Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface.
- Sprinkle half the cheese over one half of each tortilla.
- Divide the cooked beef mixture between the tortillas.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef. Add cilantro if desired.
- Fold each tortilla in half and press gently.
- Heat a clean nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Place one folded quesadilla in the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, with the cheese completely melted.
- Repeat with the second quesadilla.
- Let rest for 1 minute before cutting each into wedges.
- Combine the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Stir until smooth.
- Add a little water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve alongside the hot quesadillas.
Notes
- Use lean beef: It provides plenty of protein without leaving the tortillas greasy.
- Don’t overfill: A moderate amount of filling makes folding and flipping easier.
- Cook over medium heat: This gives the cheese enough time to melt before the tortilla becomes too dark.
- Choose high-protein tortillas: Check the nutrition label, since protein content varies by brand.
- Add black beans: Mix in ½ cup of rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg