Grilled Ground Beef and Corn Quesadillas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Savory ground beef and sweet corn encased in crispy tortillas with melted cheese for busy weeknights. This mexican-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, corn kernels, cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt, then add 1/2 lb ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
  2. Step 2: Season the ground beef with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup corn kernels and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Place one 10-inch flour tortilla on a clean surface, spread 1/4 cup of the beef and corn mixture over half the tortilla, then sprinkle 1/8 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
  5. Step 5: Fold the tortilla in half and press gently with a spatula. Repeat for the remaining 3 tortillas using the remaining beef mixture and cheese.
  6. Step 6: Heat the skillet over medium heat, add the folded quesadillas, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, pressing down gently with a spatula.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Ground Beef and Corn Quesadillas take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Ground Beef and Corn Quesadillas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ground Beef and Corn Quesadillas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Ground Beef and Corn Quesadillas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Ground Beef and Corn Quesadillas?

Mexican kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes