Flavorful and satisfying, this 20-minute beef quesadilla recipe is sure to disappear from the table in no time! This simple recipe features flour tortillas filled with deliciously seasoned beef, tomato, and lots of melty cheese, before being cooked to crispy perfection on the stovetop. It’s a winning combination of flavors! 

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas Ingredients 

You’ll need:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce with basil, garlic, oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 4½ cups Colby jack cheese, shredded

Substitutions and Additions 

CHEESE: You can swap out Colby jack cheese for sharp cheddar, pepper Jack, Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or any of your other favorite cheeses.

BEANS: If you’d like a mix of proteins or want to make this recipe vegetarian, add a can of black beans in addition to or in place of beef.

BEEF: Instead of beef, you can sue any ground meat your prefer like chicken, turkey, or pork. 

VEGGIES: Add bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or spinach if you’d like to incorporate more veggies into the meal. 

SPICE: Add some spice to this dish by adding red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced jalapeños.

TORTILLAS: You can use corn tortillas instead of flour in this recipe. 

LIMES: Serve these quesadillas with a wedge of fresh lime for some fresh citrus flavor. It’s especially delicious if your quesadillas are spicy!

How to Make This Cheesy Beef Quesadillas Recipe 

STEP ONE: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, cooking until it’s no longer pink. Drain the grease, then return the meat to the skillet.

STEP TWO: Continue to brown beef. Add garlic paste, onion powder, salt, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir the beef mixture well to combine.

PRO TIP: If you are adding veggies to the recipe, add them in at Step Two. 

STEP THREE: In a separate large skillet, melt ½ tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat.

STEP FOUR: Place a tortilla in the skillet, then sprinkle it with cheese. Add the ground beef filling, and then sprinkle it with more cheese. 

STEP FIVE: Lay another tortilla on top and spread butter over the tortilla.

STEP SIX: Flip the quesadilla over and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

PRO TIP: Keep an eye on the quesadillas and adjust your cooking temperature as necessary to ensure the cheese melts without burning the tortillas. 

STEP SEVEN: Repeat Steps Three to Six for each quesadilla, then serve with your favorite toppings, like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

How To Serve 

Serve these satisfying cheesy beef quesadillas topped with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. They’re so satisfying on their own or served alongside a Mexican Layered Salad and Mexican Corn on the Cob. 

Storage 

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover beef quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

IN THE FREEZER: These beef quesadillas can also be frozen for up to two months. Store them in a freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment paper. 

REHEATING: To reheat, place quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy. 

Cheesy and flavorful, these beef quesadillas make for a great dish anytime! They’re incredibly delicious and will satisfy everyone at the table.  

FAQ:

Q? Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: To make this recipe vegetarian, swap out the beef for black beans in this recipe. You can also do half beans and half beef if you’d like a mix of proteins. 

Q? Can I cook quesadillas in the oven instead of on a stovetop?

A: Instead of using the stovetop, you can bake quesadillas at 400°F for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn!

Q? Can I make this recipe spicy?

A: You can make this recipe spicy by adding red pepper flakes and serving the beef quesadillas with hot sauce.

Print

Cheesy Beef Quesadillas

Enjoy these delightfully cheesy beef quesadillas filled with deliciously seasoned beef and lots of yummy flavors.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Cheesy Beef Quesadillas Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons butter divided
• 8 10-inch flour tortillas
• 4½ cups Colby jack cheese shredded

Instructions

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook until no longer pink. Drain grease and return beef to the skillet.
• Continue to cook the beef until browned. Add garlic paste, onion powder, salt, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
• In a separate large skillet over medium-low heat, add ½ tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt.
• Place a tortilla in the skillet. Add cheese, beef mixture, then more cheese to the tortilla. Lay another tortilla on top and spread butter over the tortilla.
• Flip the quesadilla over and continue cooking until all of the cheese is melted.
• Repeat steps for each quesadilla.

Notes

This is a great recipe to buy pre-shredded cheese for as it makes prep time even quicker for your easy meal.

I recommend using lean beef or draining the excess grease off when you’re done cooking the meat so that your quesadillas don’t get soggy.

Watch it closely while it is cooking so that you don’t burn the quesadilla at the last second.

The post Cheesy Beef Quesadillas appeared first on Us in the Kitchen.

If you’re looking for an easy but incredibly delicious dip, try this bacon cheddar cream cheese dip. It’s sure to become your new go-to favorite. It combines everyone’s favorite ingredients and is oven-ready in just 3 simple steps. Adding crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese sends the flavor over the top.

Cream Cheese Dip

You’ll need:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded “old” cheddar
• 3 to 4 green onions, diced
• 8 slices bacon, crumbled

Substitutions and Additions 

MAYONNAISE Sour cream or Greek yogurt is a great, lower-fat option that still tastes great and has a similar texture.

OLD CHEDDAR CHEESE: Old cheddar cheese adds a distinctive sharp taste, but other varieties of cheese can be used with great tasting results.

CRUMBLED BACON: Use pre-cooked crumbled bacon instead of making your own to make your dip even easier to prepare.

How to Make This Cream Cheese Dip

STEP ONE: Mix together all of the ingredients except for the bacon in a medium mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

PRO TIP: Start with your cream cheese at room temperature. This will allow your dip to blend together quickly and make it smooth and creamy.

STEP TWO: Spread the cream cheese mixture into a pie plate.

PRO TIP: Any oven-safe serving dish will work for this dip.

STEP THREE: Top with 8 slices of crumbled bacon.

STEP FOUR: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

STEP FIVE: Serve with an assortment of crackers.

How To Serve 

Serve this bacon cheddar cream cheese dip hot out of the oven with an assortment of your favorite crackers.

Storage 

IN THE FRIDGE: You won’t likely need to worry about storing leftovers, but should you have any, tightly cover them and keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days.

IN THE FREEZER: We do not suggest freezing this dip. The consistency will be watery when it thaws.

REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: Cream cheese dip can be reheated in the oven or the microwave.

Perfection doesn’t have to be complicated. This hot dip could not be easier or more delicious. In just 3 steps, you’ll be ready to pop it in the oven. The result is a crowd-pleasing dip that people simply can’t get enough of. 

FAQ:

Question: What other toppings could I add to this dip?

Answer: Other toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapenos, olives, or onions are great additions to this cream cheese dip.

Question: Can I make this dip without the bacon?

Answer: You can omit the bacon. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Question: Can I use this as a cold dip with veggies?

Answer: Yes, try sliced cucumbers, mushrooms, cauliflower, or other favorites in this delicious dip.

Print

Cream Cheese Dip

You’ll want to bring this cream cheese dip to your next gathering. Bacon and cheddar cheese turn a basic cream cheese dip into an irresistible addition to any spread.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded “old” cheddar
• 3 to 4 green onions diced
• 8 slices bacon crumbled

Instructions

• In a medium mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix together all of the ingredients, except for the bacon.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture into a pie plate.
• Top with 8 slices of crumbled bacon.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Serve with an assortment of crackers.

Notes

Note: This recipe recommends using a pie plate for your dip but you could use a different shape of serving dish if you have that instead.

Note: Let your block of cream cheese come to room temperature so that it blends smoothly.

The post Cream Cheese Dip appeared first on Us in the Kitchen.

If you’ve never heard of Hanky Panky, you’ve got to try it to believe how delicious it is. Old-fashioned Hanky Panky is the perfect get-together food. Enjoy it for any occasion or as a quick, delicious weeknight meal. Mouth-watering ground beef and pork sausage are mixed with creamy and flavorful Velveeta cheese and seasoning to create a simple but oh-so-addictive treat.

Hanky Panky Ingredients

You’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound hot pork sausage
• 1 pound Velveeta cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Rye bread or pumpernickel bread

Substitutions and Additions 

HOT PORK SAUSAGE – For a milder version, choose a milder sausage.

VELVEETA CHEESE – Substitute melted cheddar in place of Velveeta. Your result won’t be as creamy, but the taste will still be delicious.

How to Make This Hanky Panky Recipe

STEP ONE: Brown the meat and drain well and return to pan. Add Velveeta cheese, garlic salt, salt, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce.

PRO TIP: Keep pre-portioned packages of cooked ground meat in your freezer to make whipping up a batch of Hanky Panky even quicker.

STEP TWO: Spread on individual-sized pumpernickel bread, then bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, until bread is toasted and the topping is bubbling.

How To Serve 

Whether as an hors d’oeuvre, an appetizer, or a main, Hanky Pankys are easy to serve. Spoon hot mixture over your choice of party bread or crackers, or keep the mixture warm in a crockpot and allow guests to top their own as desired.

Storage 

IN THE FRIDGE: Store the meat mixture in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

IN THE FREEZER: The perfect way to freeze hanky panky is to spoon the mixture onto a cookie sheet and freeze. Individually wrap and keep frozen for up to 3 months so you can take out as many servings as you need.

REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS:  Remove from the freezer and place on a baking sheet. Heat through for about 10-15 minutes at 425 degrees, and top your cocktail bread before serving.

Whatever the occasion, everyone will love the savory flavor of this quick and easy any-time dish made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. That sounds like a recipe for success!

FAQ:

Question: Can you serve the Hanky panky mixture on a bun?

Answer: Try serving it on mini slider buns instead of party bread.

Question: Can I use chicken or turkey instead?

Answer: For a lighter, healthier version, use ground turkey, chicken meat, or sausage.

Question: How can I add even more “heat” to my Hanky Panky?

Answer: Add crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or some extra sharp cheese if you like your food extra spicy.

Print

Hanky Panky Recipe

Your favorite cocktail bread topped with delicious ground beef and sausage in a mix of seasonings and creamy Velveeta cheese.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Hanky Panky Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 20

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound hot pork sausage
• 1 pound Velveeta cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Rye bread or pumpernickel bread

Instructions

• Brown the meat and drain well and return to pan. Add Velveeta cheese, garlic salt, salt, oregano and Worcestershire sauce.
• Spread on individual-sized pumpernickel bread then bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, until bread is toasted and topping is bubbling.

Notes

TIP: You can also freeze individually by storing in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove and bake for 10-15 minutes at 425°F.

TIP: Make these individual appetizers on slices of rye bread or you can also whip up a batch in the crockpot on low heat and serve it over tortilla chips.

TIP: Ground meat can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer in a Ziploc for use later. This would save you a bit of extra time in preparing this tasty appetizer.

The post Hanky Panky appeared first on Us in the Kitchen.

Perfect for game day, this easy buffalo chicken dip combines all of the fantastic flavors of buffalo wings and blue cheese without any mess! Tender shredded chicken is mixed with cheddar cheese, velvety cream cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, and blue cheese before it’s put in the oven and baked to bubbly perfection.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Ingredients 

You’ll need:

• 2 (8-oz) pkgs cream cheese
• 2 cups blue cheese crumbles
• 2 chicken breasts (poached & shredded or use canned chicken)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce

Substitutions and Additions 

BUFFALO WING SAUCE: Feel free to substitute buffalo wing sauce for any of your favorite wing sauces, and play around with the amount until you find a suitable spice level. 

CHICKEN: Make this recipe even easier by using rotisserie chicken. 

CHEDDAR CHEESE: Swap out cheddar cheese for any of your melty favorites, like colby, or combine different types of cheese for extra deliciousness. Be sure to grate your cheese, as pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well. 

How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe 

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

STEP TWO: Poach and shred the chicken breasts. Set aside. 

PRO TIP: To shred the chicken, use two forks, one to hold the chicken breast in place and the other to pull it apart. 

STEP THREE: Heat the cream cheese in the microwave until it’s easily spreadable.

PRO TIP: Place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl before heating it!

STEP FOUR: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, blue cheese, chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce.

STEP FIVE: Pour the chicken mixture into an 8 by 8-inch baking dish.

STEP SIX: Sprinkle extra grated cheese on top (optional but delicious).

STEP SEVEN: Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until it’s brown and crisp on top.

STEP EIGHT: Serve this easy buffalo chicken dip with vegetables, crackers, or your favorite chip. 

PRO TIP: This dip will be very hot out of the oven, so be careful when you dig in!

How To Serve

There’s no wrong time to whip this easy chicken buffalo dip, whether for friends and family or when you’re craving this cheesy, spicy chicken. Serve this dip alongside bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers and pretzel bites for the ultimate game day spread. 

Storage 

IN THE FRIDGE: Place any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the pan in plastic wrap, place in the fridge and enjoy for two to three days. 

IN THE FREEZER: This easy buffalo chicken dip doesn’t freeze well, so we recommend whipping up a fresh batch when you’re craving it.

REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS: Reheat this dip in the microwave for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, or in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to cover it in foil, and don’t put a glass dish from the fridge directly into a hot oven, or it may crack. 

This easy chicken buffalo dip will quickly become your new favorite snack. Juicy shredded chicken, cream cheese, spicy buffalo sauce, savory blue cheese, and gooey melted cheddar make for an absolutely delicious combination; the pan will be empty before you know it! 

FAQ:

Question: Is buffalo chicken dip supposed to be runny?

Answer: It’s supposed to be a thicker dip, but it can be runny if you used more sauce or lower-fat cream cheese. To thicken it, add full-fat cream cheese or make a slurry of cornstarch and water and add it to the chicken mixture before cooking. 

Question: What do I serve with buffalo chicken dip?

Answer: This dip goes great with everything! You can serve it with your favorite vegetables, crackers, and chips. We recommend you use a sturdy chip to support all of that fantastic dip!

Question: Do I have to use Frank’s hot sauce?

Answer: That’s what we use in our recipe, but you can use your preferred brand of buffalo sauce or any of your favorite wing sauces. 

The post Buffalo Chicken Dip appeared first on Us in the Kitchen.

Deliciously simple, this game-day recipe will satisfy the entire crowd with its cheesy goodness and hint of heat. Budget-friendly and loaded with flavor, making Rotel Dip is as simple as it gets! Velveeta, ground beef, and Rotel are all it takes to quickly create this tasty dish.

Rotel Dip Ingredients

You’ll Need:

• 16 ounces of Velveeta
• 10 ounce can of Rotel
• 1 pound of ground beef

Substitutions and Additions

MEAT: For a little more spice and hint of smokiness try spicy sausage. You can also substitute ground turkey or pork if you prefer.

CHEESE: For a creamier texture add an 8-ounce block of cream cheese

ADD SOME HEAT: Add some diced jalapenos or other hot pepper of preference if you find this original take too mild.

How to Make the Easy Rotel Dip Recipe

STEP ONE: Start by browning your hamburger or preferred meat in a skillet until cooked through. While the meat is browning, cube the Velveeta cheese.

PRO TIP: Drain excess grease from the cooked hamburger and add back to the skillet before adding other ingredients to avoid unnecessary fat.

STEP TWO: Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, stir in the Rotel and Velveeta cheese cubes.

STEP THREE: Make sure to stir regularly until all cheese is melted and then serve.

PRO TIP: To keep the dip from becoming too stiff as it cools it is best to keep it in a pot with a warm function, such as a slow cooker, instant pot, or fondue pot.

How To Serve

It’s best to keep this dip warm in a small Crockpot or food warmer, otherwise, it may get too thick. Super yummy Rotel Dip goes well with just about anything dipped in it! We prefer using tortilla chips, crackers, pita chips, bagel chips, and veggies.

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: While this dip is better fresh, to save leftovers, spoon it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 – 4 days. 

IN THE FREEZER: This dip can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge, and reheat.

TO REHEAT: When you’re ready to snack, reheat in the microwave with the container lid open in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between.

This dip is sure to please at any gathering, and it’s so quick to make it’ll hardly take up any time in the kitchen away from your guests. This hot Rotel Dip appetizer is comforting and filling with melted cheese, flavorful beef, and just the perfect amount of heat.

FAQ

What is Rotel?

Rotel (Ro-Tel) is the brand name for a canned food that consists of a mixture of diced tomatoes and green chilis. It’s commonly used in dips as well as soups and Tex-Mex-style foods.

Can I use salsa instead of Rotel in my dip?

Salsa has a very different flavor and texture than Rotel. If you want to substitute, you will find your dip has a different flavor than our version and it will also be much thinner. You may want to try substituting a dry salsa or thick salsa instead.

My dip got too thick. How can I thin it out?

If your dip gets cool, it may thicken. To return it to its original texture, add a bit of milk while heating and whisk until it becomes your desired consistency.

Print

Rotel Dip

Made with just three ingredients — Velveeta, Rotel and Hamburger — this Rotel dip has the perfect amount of spicy heat in each bite.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword Rotel Dip Recipe

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Velveeta
• 10 ounce can Rotel
• 1 pound hamburger

Instructions

• Brown hamburger in a skillet until cooked
• Add cubes of Velveeta cheese and the can of Rotel
• Stir thoroughly until melted
• Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies

The post Rotel Dip appeared first on Us in the Kitchen.