Save Crispy, golden quesadillas filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and colorful vegetables—baked on a sheet pan for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
The first time I made these sheet pan quesadillas, my family was amazed at how simple dinner could be. Watching everyone reach for second helpings made this dish an instant favorite at our table.
Ingredients
- Beef Mixture: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 1 small yellow onion finely diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) taco seasoning, 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- Cheese and Veggies: 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn thawed, 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans drained and rinsed, 2 green onions sliced
- Assembly: 8 large flour tortillas (10-inch/25 cm), 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, cooking spray
- Serving (Optional): Salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro chopped, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan (approx. 18x13 in/45x33 cm) with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Cook Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Vegetable Sauté:
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Mix Veggies:
- Add corn, black beans, and green onions to the skillet. Mix to combine.
- Arrange Tortillas:
- Lay 6 tortillas overlapping around the edges of the prepared sheet pan, so half the tortilla hangs over the edge and the centers overlap, covering the whole base. Place 1 tortilla in the center to cover any gaps.
- Add Filling:
- Evenly spread the beef and vegetable mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Fold Tortillas:
- Fold the overhanging edges of the tortillas toward the center, covering the filling. Place the final tortilla in the center if needed to seal.
- Oil and Bake:
- Brush the top with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Weigh Down and Bake:
- Place another sheet pan on top to weigh down the quesadillas. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the top sheet pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Slice and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
Save My kids enjoy helping with folding the tortillas. It always turns into a fun little assembly line before dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for classic flavors. Lime wedges add brightness and a tangy finish.
Variations
Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey, or use meatless crumbles for a vegetarian option. Try whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary needs.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a sheet pan at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crisp.
Save Enjoy these crispy, oven-baked quesadillas fresh from the sheet pan. They're sure to please both kids and adults at any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to cook the beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat before combining with other ingredients.
- → Can I substitute the tortillas with gluten-free options?
Yes, gluten-free or whole wheat tortillas can be used to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- → How do I ensure the quesadillas get crispy?
Brushing the assembled quesadillas with olive oil and baking with a weighted pan on top helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
- → What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes diced red bell peppers, black beans, corn, green onions, and sautéed yellow onions for added flavor and texture.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles can replace beef for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly variation.