This towering quesadilla stack is all about layers of seasoned beef, stretchy cheese, and golden tortillas—crispy outside, gooey inside. Perfect for family dinner, parties, or when you want comfort food that hits.
Ingredients
For the beef filling
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or salsa
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the stack
- 6–8 large flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for grilling
Optional extras
- Sliced jalapeños
- Caramelized onions
- Mushrooms
- Cooked chicken (mixed with beef or instead of)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef filling
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Cook and season
Add ground beef, break it up well, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Stir in tomato paste or salsa and cook 2–3 minutes until rich and slightly saucy. Remove from heat. - Build the stack
Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium-low heat and lightly butter it.
Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese, then spread some beef evenly on top. Add another layer of cheese, then place a second tortilla on top. - Repeat layers
Continue stacking: cheese → beef → cheese → tortilla, until all filling is used. Finish with a final layer of cheese and tortilla on top. - Cook slowly
Cover the pan and cook gently for 4–5 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese starts melting. Carefully flip the entire stack (use a large plate if needed). Add more butter to the pan and cook the other side another 4–5 minutes. - Melt and crisp
Keep heat low so the cheese fully melts without burning the tortillas. Press lightly with a spatula to help everything bond together. - Rest and slice
Remove from heat and let rest 3–5 minutes. This helps the layers set. Slice into wedges like a cake.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa
- Add a fresh side salad for balance
- Perfect for sharing, game nights, or meal prep
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy outside, insanely cheesy inside
- Easy to customize with your favorite fillings
- Feels fancy but uses simple ingredients
- One pan, big flavor, zero regrets