Name: Quesadilla (Beef, Vegetable or Chicken)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Quesadillas:; 6 – 8 flour tortillas (20cm/8″); 2 cups (200g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or other of choice) (Note 1); 3/4 cup roughly chopped coriander/cilantro; 1 cup corn kernels (frozen thawed or can drained); ONE Filling of Choice, below (beef, chicken or vegetable); Quesadilla Spice Mix:; 1 tsp each onion powder, dried oregano, salt; 2 tsp each cumin powder, paprika; 1/4 tsp each black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional); CHOOSE ONE FILLING:; Beef Filling:; 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves , minced; 1/2 onion , finely chopped; 500g / 1 lb ground beef / mince; 1 small red capsicum/bell peppers , diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 cup (65 ml) water; Chicken Filling:; 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 500 g/1 lb chicken thighs , skinless boneless (Note 2); 2 garlic cloves , minced; 1 small onion , quartered and sliced; 1 small red capsicum/bell pepper , diced; Vegetable Filling:; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 onion , diced; 2 cloves garlic , minced; 1 can of black beans, drained (400g/14oz)

* Skip corn for vegetable quesadillas, it’s already in the filling.

1. Cheese options: Monterey Jack was my favourite because it has the melting qualities of mozzarella but has more flavour. It’s an American cheese, available at Costco in Australia (used to be sold at Harris Farms too). Cheddar, Tasty or Colby are also great, but any melting cheese of choice is fine here.

2. Other Proteins: Use the Beef Filling recipe for ground/mince pork, turkey, veal or chicken. Use the Chicken Filling recipe for thin steaks or pork, beef, turkey or veal.The juicier the cut, the better.

3. General notes: * Makes 6 generously stuffed or 8 normal quesadillas* Cool Fillings before assembling tortillas = crispier * Freezer option: Assemble quesadillas then freeze before cooking. Wrap in cling wrap then place in ziplock bags or airtight containers. Thaw then cook per recipe. Can microwave 40 seconds or so to thaw. * Bake option (can make loads in one go): Follow directions in this Chicken Baked Quesadillas recipe. * Can also make flattish burritos, wrap in foil then bake until crispy (about 30 minutes at 180C/350F). These can also be frozen, thaw before cooking.

4. Nutrition per chicken quesadilla, assuming 8 servings. Lean beef quesadillas are 469 calories each, and vegetable is 357 calories.

Quesadilla (Beef, Vegetable or Chicken)

Ingredients

Quesadillas

Quesadilla Spice Mix

Choose One Filling

Beef Filling

Chicken Filling

Vegetable Filling

Steps

Notes

Nutrition Facts