Sloppy Joe Quesadilla Delight
Sloppy Joe Quesadilla Delight is a hearty and flavorful fusion dish combining the classic savory Sloppy Joe filling with the melty, crispy comfort of a quesadilla. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, suitable for both kids and adults, and customizable to fit various dietary preferences including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Quesadilla Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas (use gluten-free or whole wheat as desired)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- Diced jalapeños or splash of hot sauce (for spicy upgrade)
- Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitute for vegetarian option
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture simmer until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay a flour tortilla flat and evenly spread a generous layer of the sloppy joe filling over one half. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling. Fold the other half of the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook Until Crispy and Melty: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly, until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted inside.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the pan and let it cool for a minute. Slice into wedges and serve warm with your favorite garnishes or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Drain the beef well to keep the quesadilla from getting soggy.
- Cover the skillet with a lid while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Do not overload the filling to make folding easier and prevent spills.
- Cook on medium-low heat for a crispy exterior without burning.
- Let the quesadilla rest briefly after cooking to allow fillings to set for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, quesadilla, ground beef, cheesy, quick meal, kid-friendly, gluten-free, easy recipe, comfort food