There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy quesadilla, especially when it’s packed with leftover beef that’s been seasoned to perfection. These Spicy Beef Quesadillas are not only a delicious way to use up leftover shredded beef short ribs or brisket, but they also bring a delightful kick with chipotle peppers and spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spicy Beef Quesadillas are a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. The smoky heat from the chipotle peppers combined with the savory beef and melty cheese creates a mouthwatering experience. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or sides. Whether served with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, every bite is a celebration of bold flavors!

What You’ll Gather

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow or sweet onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 chipotle chile peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups leftover shredded beef short ribs or brisket
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

Before You Start: Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the quesadillas.
Spatula – for flipping the quesadillas.
Cutting board and knife – for chopping vegetables.
Measuring spoons – for measuring spices.

Cooking Spicy Beef Quesadillas: The Process

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the finely chopped chipotle peppers, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Beef

Once the vegetables are ready, add the 2 cups of leftover shredded beef short ribs or brisket to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the beef to heat through and absorb the flavors of the spices. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out 4 of the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the beef and vegetable mixture over each tortilla, topping with a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese. Place the remaining tortillas on top to create quesadillas.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas

In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Carefully place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat this process for the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them sit for a minute. Cut them into wedges and serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Substitutions by Diet

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
To make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Troubles You Can Avoid

To ensure perfect Spicy Beef Quesadillas, avoid overfilling them, as this can make flipping difficult. Additionally, ensure your skillet is hot enough so the tortillas crisp up nicely without burning. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, adjust the amount of chipotle peppers and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

Your Spicy Beef Quesadillas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy. You can also freeze uncooked quesadillas for up to 2 months. Just cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Your Top Questions

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.

How can I make these quesadillas spicier?

If you love heat, consider adding more chipotle peppers or using a hotter variety of pepper. You could also add jalapeños or a spicier salsa on the side.

What can I serve with Spicy Beef Quesadillas?

These quesadillas pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, some Garlic Butter Steak Bites Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, or a side of Honey Garlic Steak Bites With Rice. You can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauces, like guacamole or salsa.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to cook. This makes for a quick meal on busy nights.

Make It Tonight

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up these Spicy Beef Quesadillas in no time. It’s a perfect recipe for using up leftovers while indulging in a comforting meal that the whole family will love. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to savor every bite of these scrumptious quesadillas!

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