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    Home » Entree

    Ground Beef Quesadillas

    April 6, 2016 by Chrissy Carroll 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Do you ever have one of those nights where you just crave a certain kind of food?  That was me the other night.  There was nothing I wanted more than a big ‘ol cheesy, delicious ground beef quesadilla from a Mexican restaurant.

    Rather than go out, I made my own.  And it.was.heavenly.

    These ground beef quesadillas are perfect for that cheesy comfort food craving in the comfort of your own home. And at just over 400 calories a pop, they can fit in anyone's healthy diet!

    It had all the flavors and textures you want in a quesadilla – a slightly crisp tortilla (that just happens to be whole wheat), filling ground beef (a lean version that packs in protein and iron), creamy avocado (hello, healthy fats!), and rich cheese.  And my version has also got some fiber-rich pinto beans, as well as low calorie (but flavor packed) onions and mushrooms. 

    I decided to experiment with my own ‘better for you’ version at home, for a few reasons:

    1. I didn’t want to blow a ton of calories on a restaurant dish.
    2. I didn’t want to blow a ton of money on a restaurant dish.
    3. I just started experimenting with adding dairy back into my diet a few weeks ago.  Many of you know that my son had food intolerences when he was born, so I had to eliminate several things from my diet.  I didn’t want to overdo the cheese since we’re still trying to figure out if he’s tolerating the dairy (and whether last night’s up-every-hour-of-the-night sleep pattern is due to the dairy or teething!), so making my own version at home gave me an option for better controlling the amount of dairy.  {Dairy-free and MSPI peeps – you can easily make this recipe fit your needs by simply leaving out the cheese!}

    The version I made met all my expectations – and at only about 450 calories for the ground beef quesadilla, it can fit into anyone’s meal plan for a filling dinner.  Round it out with some veggies on the side and you’re all set!

    These ground beef quesadillas are perfect for that cheesy comfort food craving in the comfort of your own home. And at just over 400 calories a pop, they can fit in anyone's healthy diet!

    These ground beef quesadillas are perfect for that cheesy comfort food craving in the comfort of your own home. And at just over 400 calories a pop, they can fit in anyone's healthy diet!

    These ground beef quesadillas are perfect for that cheesy comfort food craving in the comfort of your own home. And at just over 400 calories a pop, they can fit in anyone's healthy diet!

    Ground Beef Quesadillas

    Snacking in Sneakers
    Cheesy ground beef quesadillas with avocado are total comfort food!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 460 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 pounds 90/10 lean ground beef
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp pepper
    • 1 onion, sliced thinly
    • 8 ounce package of mushrooms (white button or baby bella), sliced
    • 14.5 ounce can of low sodium pinto beans (about 1.5 cups cooked if you’re using beans you’ve made from dried instead)
    • 8 whole wheat tortillas (8-inch diameter)
    • 2 avocados
    • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

    Instructions
     

    • Brown ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Using a slotted spoon, set beef aside in a bowl.
    • Heat the remaining fat that was left in the pan, and sauté the onion and mushrooms. {If needed, add an extra teaspoon of oil.}
    • Preheat oven to 425.
    • Meanwhile, pour pinto beans into a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher.
    • Spread mashed pinto beans on half of each tortilla. Add ground beef and onions/mushrooms. Add 1/4 of a sliced avocado and 2 tbsp shredded cheese to each. Fold down the other half of the tortilla.
    • Bake the quesadillas on a baking sheet at 425 F for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutrition Analysis (per serving):
    460 calories, 23 g fat, 9 g sat fat, 496 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 28 g protein, Vitamin A: 6%, Vitamin C: 11%, Calcium: 20%, Iron 23%, Potassium: 20%

    Nutrition

    Calories: 460kcal
    Keyword ground beef quesadillas
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Share with me:  What have you been craving lately?  What’s your favorite ‘better-for-you’ dish that you make at home but is still craveworthy?

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll
    Chrissy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian, RRCA Running Coach, and USAT Level I Triathlon Coach. She specializes in sharing training tips, sports nutrition information, and healthy recipes for runners, triathletes, and active women.Chrissy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition, a Masters Degree in Public Health, and is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
    Chrissy Carroll
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    Comments

    1. Sarah @ BucketListTummy

      April 6, 2016 at 7:40 pm

      I alwayssss want tacos or quesadillas for dinner. This looks delightful!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 7, 2016 at 6:09 pm

        I know, I always lean towards Southwestern or Mexican flavors when I’m craving something to eat. Hope you’ll give ’em a shot!

        Reply
    2. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home

      April 6, 2016 at 10:21 pm

      Speaking of food intolerances…I have problems with beef! So we make quesadillas with other meat–even ground pork. You’re making me hungry…

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 7, 2016 at 6:05 pm

        You could totally make this with ground pork, turkey, or chicken! Shredded versions of pork or chicken would work great too 🙂

        Reply
    3. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub

      April 7, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Looks delicious, I have all the stuff to make this at home so this might become my supper idea.

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 7, 2016 at 6:02 pm

        Awesome – I hope you’ll give ’em a try and then let me know how you like them!

        Reply
    4. Diane

      April 8, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      I crave this sort of thing alllllll the time! Great pic, I can almost taste it! Thanks for sharing – only 400 cals NICE!

      Reply
      • Chrissy Carroll

        April 19, 2016 at 12:23 pm

        You’re so welcome! I miscalculated a little the first time so it’s more like 450 calories (fixed it last week) but still – a great indulgence for that amount!

        Reply

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    Welcome to Snacking in Sneakers! That's me, Chrissy, and I'm here to share all my favorite fitness, food, & wellness stories & tips. I'm a dietitian, personal trainer, runner, triathlon coach, foodie, not-so-extreme couponer, and all around fun lovin' gal.

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