Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it apart, ensuring it cooks evenly. Cook until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. This is where the magic happens—the spices will infuse the beef with incredible flavor. Stir well to coat all the meat with the seasonings.
After mixing in the spices, drain any excess fat from the pan. This will keep your quesadillas from being greasy. Set the seasoned beef aside on a plate.
Wipe out the pan and return it to the stove over medium-high heat. You want it hot for cooking the quesadillas, so don’t rush this step!
While the pan heats, lay one of the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Fold it in half to mark the center and then unfold it. This seam will help you figure out where to place the fillings.
Make a small cut at the center of the tortilla, creating a small opening. Think of the tortilla as being divided into four sections—this will guide you in filling it.
In the bottom left section, add a couple of spoonfuls of the seasoned ground beef. In the next section, sprinkle some shredded queso cheese, followed by sour cream in the next. Finally, top it with pico de gallo in the last section. Be careful not to overload it!
Now, it’s time to fold. Starting with the bottom left quadrant, fold the tortilla up and over the top left quadrant, then fold the top right quadrant down, and finally, fold the bottom right quadrant up and over. This creates a neat little packet of deliciousness.
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the hot pan. Carefully place your folded quesadilla in the pan. Allow it to cook for about 3 minutes on one side, or until it’s golden and crispy.
Once the bottom is golden, flip the quesadilla over using a spatula. Cook for another 3 minutes on the other side until it’s perfectly crisp and the cheese has melted.
Remove the quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Slice it into wedges and serve immediately for the best experience!
