Heart-Healthy Beef Quesadillas

Satisfy your craving for comfort food while staying mindful of your health with these Heart-Healthy Beef Quesadillas! Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe features lean ground beef, vibrant red bell peppers, and nutrient-rich spinach all seasoned with warm spices like cumin and garlic powder. Sandwiched between whole wheat tortillas and melted reduced-fat cheddar, these quesadillas are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavorful, wholesome ingredients on the inside. Topped with fresh cilantro and served alongside creamy avocado slices, they make for a deliciously balanced meal in just under 35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these quesadillas prove that healthy eating can also be indulgent.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 0.5 pound lean ground beef (95% lean)
• 4 pieces whole wheat tortillas
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 medium avocado, sliced

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the ground cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the spices with the beef and vegetables.

Step 4

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and is well mixed with the beef, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the beef mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the mixture and stir to combine.

Step 6

Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7

Fold each tortilla in half over the filling to create a semicircle.

Step 8

Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Step 9

Once cooked, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice each into wedges.

Step 10

Serve with slices of fresh avocado on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1058.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1750.7

Total Fat 87.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 261.4mg	0%
Sodium 2256.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.4g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 115.4g	0%

Vitamin D 15.9IU	0%
Calcium 1170.1mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 2928.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 30.6%