High-Protein, Low-Carb Cheesy Beef Quesadilla
These cheesy beef quesadillas are loaded with seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese, wrapped in crispy low-carb tortillas. They’re satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for a high-protein lunch or dinner while keeping carbohydrates low.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 quesadillas
- Diet: High-protein, low-carb, keto-friendly
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Quesadillas
- 4 medium low-carb tortillas
- 1 cup (100–120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (55–60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup diced onion, optional
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil for the pan
Optional Toppings
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Sugar-free salsa
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh lime juice
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ground beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked.
Step 2: Season the beef
Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the seasoning coats the beef. If using onion or bell pepper, cook them with the beef until softened.
Step 3: Prepare the tortillas
Place a low-carb tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over one half, then add a generous portion of the cooked beef. Add a little more cheese on top to help hold the filling together.
Step 4: Fold the quesadillas
Fold each tortilla in half over the filling. Press gently so the cheese and beef are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Cook until crispy
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease it. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Slice and serve
Let the quesadillas rest for 1 minute, then cut each into triangles. Serve hot with Greek yogurt, avocado, or low-carb salsa.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (1 quesadilla, assuming 4 servings):
Calories
400–470
Protein
35–42 g
Total carbs
10–16 g
Net carbs
4–8 g
Estimates depend on the leanness of the beef, cheese quantities, and the nutrition label of the low-carb tortillas.
Tips for a High-Protein, Low-Carb Meal
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining protein.
- Use tortillas labeled low-carb or keto-friendly.
- Add extra lean beef for more protein.
- Use shredded cheese rather than processed cheese sauces.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed broccoli instead of rice or regular tortilla chips.
Result: Crispy on the outside, cheesy and juicy inside, and packed with protein—an easy low-carb comfort meal for lunch or dinner.
