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.
I enjoy making this recipe because it brings the family together around a delicious and simple meal that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or chicken (or drained canned black beans for vegetarian): Meat & Protein
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Meat & Protein
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced: Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Vegetables
- 150 g (1 cup) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Vegetables
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional): Vegetables
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin: Spices
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Spices
- 1 tsp chili powder: Spices
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Spices
- 1 tsp salt: Spices
- ½ tsp black pepper: Spices
- 12 large flour tortillas (approx. 25 cm / 10-inch): Other
- 300 g (3 cups) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Other
- 2 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil (for brushing): Other
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro: Other
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- 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.
- 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 This recipe always brings us a happy family moment around the dinner table sharing laughter and delicious food.
Notes
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) and milk (cheese, butter). May contain soy depending on tortillas and cheese brands. Check allergens if using vegetarian options and always double-check ingredient labels if sensitive.
Save 
These sheet pan quesadillas make weeknight dinners effortless and satisfying for the whole family.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substituting ground meat with canned black beans provides a flavorful vegetarian version while maintaining the dish's hearty texture.
- → What spices enhance the flavor best?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano combine to deliver a smoky, slightly spicy depth that complements the filling ingredients perfectly.
- → How do I achieve crispy tortillas?
Brushing the folded tortillas with melted butter or neutral oil before baking and pressing gently with a second pan ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- → Can I use other vegetables in the filling?
Absolutely. Adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can boost the veggie content and add new flavors without altering the overall balance.
- → What are some good serving suggestions?
Serve warm slices with toppings like sour cream, fresh salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro to enhance freshness and creaminess.
- → How long does the preparation and baking take?
Preparation takes around 20 minutes and baking another 20 minutes, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish.