Sheet Pan Quesadillas
This Sheet Pan Quesadilla recipe is simple to make, full of amazing flavor, and the perfect fun party food to feed a crowd! Add your favorite toppings on the side for a quick and easy buffet the whole family will love.
What is a Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that typically consists of a wheat tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled or fried. Quesadillas are said to have originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the word “quesadilla” comes from the Spanish word for cheese, queso.
While quesadillas are typically made with a wheat tortilla, they can also be made with a corn tortilla. And the fillings for quesadillas are endless! In addition to cheese, common fillings include meats (chicken, beef, pork), vegetables ( peppers, onions, mushrooms), and beans.
How Are Quesadillas Cooked?
Quesadillas can be cooked in a variety of ways, but the most common are grilled or fried.
Grilled quesadillas are cooked on a griddle or grill over medium-high heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Fried quesadillas are cooked in oil over medium-high heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
This Sheet Pan Quesadilla recipe is a great way to feed a crowd because they can be made ahead of time and baked in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Simply assemble the quesadillas on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
What Can I Top My Quesadilla With?
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our favorites:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Hot sauce
- Crushed chips
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese
What Can I Serve With a Quesadilla?
While quesadillas are a complete meal on their own, they’re also great as part of a larger spread. Here are a few ideas:
- Refried beans
- Mexican rice
- Black beans
- Corn
- Salads
- Fruit
Quesadillas are such a versatile dish, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Are Quesadillas Healthy?
Quesadillas can be part of a healthy diet, but it depends on the ingredients you use. A typical quesadilla made with a wheat tortilla, cheese, and meat can have upwards of 700 calories and 30 grams of fat.
To make a healthier quesadilla, choose a whole wheat or low-carb tortilla, use low-fat cheese, and fill it with vegetables. You can also use lean protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. And be sure to watch the toppings you add, as they can quickly add calories and fat.
A healthier quesadilla will have fewer calories and fat, but will still be a delicious and satisfying meal.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
These things are so tasty that it’s hard to think they won’t be devoured in one sitting. But if you happen to have any left over, rest assured that they will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen quesadillas in the fridge overnight, then heat in the microwave or in a 350 degree oven until warmed through.
Tips
- I haven’t specified a meat in this recipe because you can use whatever type you prefer. Ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey or anything you like will work very well.
- You can use homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet mix if you want to get the best flavor. It’s super simple to make, and you probably have everything on hand in your spice drawer right now. You can also control the spice level much easier.
- You can add a nice mango peach salsa or other sweet salsa to your meat as it cooks for extra flavor. It adds a nice contrast. Be sure to cook it down a bit longer so that it doesn’t get watery. You want it the consistency of a nice thick chili.
- Use whatever color of bell pepper you like, or mix a variety. Some folks hate green peppers, while others love them. Use your favorite(s).
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat
- 7 large tortillas
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- Sautéed onions and bell peppers
- Mexican blend shredded cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425F.
Sauté the onions and peppers in a little bit of olive oil until soft, then set aside in a bowl.
In the same pan, add your meat of choice, then brown and drain off excess fat. Return to the pan, and add the taco seasonings and water. Stir together, ensuring the meat is saturated, and cook until most of the water is soaked up. Remove from the heat.
Layer 6 large tortillas overlapping on a sheet pan. Add a layer of cheese, then your meat, veggies and more cheese.
Place a final tortilla on top in the center, then fold the rest of the tortillas over to meet on top, enclosing the whole thing.
Take your second sheet pan and place it on top to hold it close and to help with crisping the top.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, then remove, cut into squares and serve.
Not bad at all, right? So easy and perfect for any night of the week. I love this because my kids LOVE quesadillas, but they hate waiting while we stand at a griddle and make one or two at a time. It takes forever to feed everyone, and we don’t have time for any side dishes.
I think this recipe is great for themed foodie nights, too. A Mexican buffet or Taco Tuesday is a great time to bring this one out. You can make a couple trays at a time.
You can also make this into a great appetizer by just cutting the pieces a little smaller. It doesn’t have to be a whole meal. Cut into smaller squares, and add a toothpick, and let guests dip into sour cream or guacamole, and all is well.
Easy Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground meat
- 7 large tortillas
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- Sautéed onions and bell peppers
- Mexican blend shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F.
- Sauté the onions and peppers in a little bit of olive oil until soft, then set aside in a bowl.
- In the same pan, add your meat of choice, then brown and drain off excess fat. Return to the pan, and add the taco seasonings and water. Stir together, ensuring the meat is saturated, and cook until most of the water is soaked up. Remove from the heat.
- Layer 6 large tortillas overlapping on a sheet pan. Add a layer of cheese, then your meat, veggies and more cheese.
- Place a final tortilla on top in the center, then fold the rest of the tortillas over to meet on top, enclosing the whole thing.
- Take your second sheet pan and place it on top to hold it close and to help with crisping the top.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, then remove, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use whatever type of meat you prefer. Ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey or anything you like will work very well.
- Use whatever color of bell pepper you like, or mix a variety. Some folks hate green peppers, while others love them. Use your favorite(s).
Nutrition
You really can’t beat it for easy and satisfying recipes. Give it a try and let me know what you think. What meat will you use? Or will you stick with veggies?
