Beef Mince Quesadilla Casserole

Eleanor Craig

This Beef Mince Quesadilla Casserole is a mouthwatering fusion of Tex-Mex comfort and hearty home-style cooking. Inspired by the layered deliciousness of lasagna and the bold flavors of quesadillas, it marries the richness of seasoned beef mince, melted cheese, and soft tortillas into a one-dish wonder. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole offers a crowd-pleasing twist on traditional Mexican fare with a wholesome, cheesy finish.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion / Other

Servings servings

Calories 474 kcal

Equipment

12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or large sauté pan

9x13 inch baking dish

Wooden spoon or spatula

Mixing bowls

Aluminum foil

Oven

Chef’s Knife

Cutting Board

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (minced beef) - use 80/20 for good balance of flavor and moisture
1 medium yellow onion - diced, about 1 cup
3 cloves garlic - minced, fresh for deeper aroma
1 tbsp olive oil - extra virgin preferred
1 packet taco seasoning - about 1 oz, or make your own blend
1 cup ketchup (tomato sauce Australia and UK) - plain, unsalted
1 can black beans - drained and rinsed,15 oz can; optional for added texture
8 pieces flour tortillas - 8-inch size preferred
2 cups shredded cheese - (Mexican blend), or cheddar and Monterey Jack combo
¼ cup cilantro (coriander) - fresh, chopped, for garnish
½ cup sour cream - for serving; optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add minced garlic and sauté another 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the spoon. Brown until fully cooked and no pink remains, about 7–9 minutes.
Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Add black beans if using and cook an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of beef mixture on the bottom to prevent sticking.
Layer 2 tortillas to cover the base, then spread 1/4 of the beef mixture and 1/4 of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layering process (tortilla, beef, cheese) three more times.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Swap beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
Make your own taco seasoning for a low-sodium option: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne.
Warming tortillas slightly before layering prevents breakage and helps them meld better into the casserole.

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 27gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 959mgPotassium: 567mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1137IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 305mgIron: 3mg

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