Save to Pinterest A family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish featuring crispy baked tortillas filled with melty cheese, seasoned meat, and colorful vegetables perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in our house for weeknight dinners because it combines simple prep with delicious flavor and a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- Ground meat or beans: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or chicken or drained canned black beans for vegetarian
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Corn kernels: 150 g (1 cup), fresh, canned, or frozen
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and finely chopped optionally
- Ground cumin: 1 ½ tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Flour tortillas: 12 large approx 25 cm (10-inch)
- Shredded cheese: 300 g (3 cups) cheddar or Mexican blend
- Melted butter or neutral oil: 2 tbsp for brushing
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large rimmed sheet pan approx 43x30 cm (17x12 inch) with nonstick spray or a little oil.
- Cook Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add ground meat and cook breaking up with a spoon until browned and almost cooked through about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onion, bell pepper, corn, and jalapeño Sauté for 3 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add Spices:
- Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper Cook 1 minute longer Remove from heat If using beans, add now and warm through.
- Arrange Tortillas:
- Arrange 6 tortillas overlapping around the edges of the sheet pan so half of each hangs over the side with 1 tortilla covering the center.
- Spread Filling:
- Evenly spread the meat and vegetable mixture over the tortillas Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
- Top and Fold:
- Place 1 more tortilla in the center then fold the overhanging tortillas over the filling to fully enclose it.
- Brush Top:
- Brush the top with melted butter or oil.
- Press and Bake:
- Place another sheet pan on top and press down gently Bake for 15 minutes then remove the top pan and bake another 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into squares Serve with desired toppings.
Save to Pinterest This dish is a hit at our family gatherings where everyone loves the crispy texture and customizable fillings.
Notes
Make vegetarian by substituting beans for meat Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies For spicy quesadillas increase the chili powder or add hot sauce to the filling Pairs well with a crisp Mexican lager or lime-infused sparkling water.
Required Tools
Large rimmed sheet pan Large skillet Spatula or wooden spoon Pastry brush Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (flour tortillas) Milk (cheese, butter) May contain Soy depending on tortillas and cheese brands If using vegetarian options check beans and cheese for allergens Always double-check ingredient labels if sensitive to allergens.
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Enjoy layering flavors and textures with this easy sheet pan quesadilla recipe perfect for any occasion.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground meat with drained canned black beans for a vegetarian version without compromising flavor.
- → What spices enhance the filling?
A blend of ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper brings warm, aromatic notes to the filling.
- → How do I achieve crispy tortillas?
Brushing the folded tortillas with melted butter or oil and baking with gentle pressure from an additional pan helps create a crispy, golden crust.
- → Can additional vegetables be added?
Absolutely. Ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be included in the filling for extra freshness and texture.
- → What are ideal serving suggestions?
Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro to complement the rich layers and add bright, fresh flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for gatherings?
Yes, the sheet pan method and generous yield make it perfect for family meals or casual get-togethers.