Description
These Meatball Quesadillas feature savory homemade meatballs and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Ideal for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer, they are sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add more olive oil if needed.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Arrange 5-6 meatballs on top of the cheese, breaking them apart if necessary. Add any optional toppings if desired.
- Sprinkle another 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, then fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat with remaining tortillas, meatballs, and cheese.
- Arrange sliced quesadillas on a serving platter and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or desired toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
- Enjoy with family and friends!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding spices like crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meatball mixture.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas.
- Customize fillings with your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
- To keep quesadillas warm while cooking the rest, place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C).
- For a crispy texture, brush the tortillas lightly with olive oil before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes