Save 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 has been a hit at every family dinner I've hosted. The combination of crispy tortillas and savory filling always brings smiles to the table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or chicken: 500 g (1 lb) 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 (optional)
- 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
- Fold Quesadilla:
- 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 My kids love helping fold the quesadillas and choosing their favorite toppings which makes dinner a fun family activity.
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
Save 
Enjoy your sheet pan quesadillas fresh for the best texture Serve with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute beans for the ground meat to create a vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful and hearty.
- → What type of cheese works best?
A shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend offers the ideal melt and flavor harmony for this dish.
- → How do I achieve a crispy tortilla crust?
Brushing the top with melted butter or neutral oil before baking helps the tortillas become golden and crisp.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to increase vegetable content and enhance flavor.
- → What spices enhance the filling’s flavor?
A blend of cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper brings depth and warmth to the filling.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain crispness.