Pin Crispy, golden quesadillas filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and colorful vegetables baked on a sheet pan for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. This recipe brings convenient Mexican-American comfort food to your dinner table in just 40 minutes.
Sheet pan quesadillas have become my go-to for family gatherings. The first time I made them, everyone loved how crunchy the edges were and how easy it was to slice and share.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz/28 g)
- Water: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), shredded
- Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
- Frozen corn: 1 cup (150 g), thawed
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Green onions: 2, sliced
- Flour tortillas: 8 large (10-inch/25 cm)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Cooking spray: as needed
- Salsa: optional for serving
- Sour cream: optional for serving
- Fresh cilantro: chopped, optional for serving
- Lime wedges: optional for serving
Instructions
- Prep Sheet 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 Mix:
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Add Veggies:
- Add corn, black beans, and green onions to the skillet. Mix to combine.
- Lay 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.
- Layer Filling:
- Evenly spread the beef and vegetable mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Fold & Cover:
- Fold the overhanging edges of the tortillas toward the center, covering the filling. Place the final tortilla in the center if needed to seal.
- Brush & Bake:
- Brush the top with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Place another sheet pan on top to weigh down the quesadillas. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Crisp & Serve:
- Remove the top sheet pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
Pin
Whenever we make this, my kids eagerly help lay out the tortillas and sprinkle cheese. Their laughter fills the kitchen, making it one of our favorite weeknight traditions.
Recipe Variations
Switch out the beef for shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles. You can mix in jalapeños for a spicier twist or use gluten-free tortillas as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Top squares with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges for a fresh finishing touch. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides about 520 calories, 27 g total fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 28 g protein, making it a satisfying main dish for busy evenings.
Pin Gather everyone around and enjoy these easy sheet pan quesadillas hot from the oven. They disappear quickly, so be ready for seconds!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I replace the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based substitutes work well for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- → How do I achieve extra crispy quesadillas?
Bake with a second sheet pan on top for most of the time, then remove it for the last few minutes to brown and crisp.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
You can use gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary needs. Whole wheat tortillas also work if preferred.
- → What toppings pair well for serving?
Salsa, sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, and lime wedges provide brightness and complement the flavors.
- → Is spice adjustable for this meal?
Yes, add diced jalapeños or use a hotter taco seasoning to customize the level of heat.