Description
Culinary magic unfolds with this blooming quesadilla ring, a showstopping Mexican-inspired dish that spirals deliciousness into a beautiful circular masterpiece. Cheese melts, tortillas crisp, and flavors dance, inviting guests to pull apart and savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken)
- 10–12 small flour tortillas (fajita-size)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup salsa
Finishing and Serving Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter (for brushing)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Craft the savory meat mixture by sautéing ground beef and diced onions in a skillet until thoroughly browned and fragrant. Eliminate excess fat, then introduce minced garlic, robust taco seasoning, a splash of water, and zesty salsa. Allow the mixture to simmer, transforming into a thick, cohesive filling that intensifies in flavor.
- Warm the oven to a precise 375F (190C) while preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transform each tortilla into culinary art by slicing them diagonally, then generously distributing the seasoned meat mixture along the curved edge. Shower each tortilla triangle with an additional sprinkle of cheese before carefully rolling into elegant cone shapes, ensuring secure edges.
- Arrange the stuffed tortilla cones in a circular formation, slightly overlapping and positioned around a small central vessel. This design creates a visually stunning ring with a perfect dipping space. Delicately brush the exterior with melted butter, then dust with aromatic garlic powder and smoky paprika for an extra flavor dimension.
- Slide the assembled ring into the preheated oven, allowing the quesadillas to transform into golden, crispy delights over 15-20 minutes. Once achieving a beautiful amber hue, extract from the oven and remove the central bowl. Fill the newly created cavity with vibrant salsa, creamy guacamole, or tangy sour cream, creating an inviting centerpiece ready for immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Always use fresh ground beef with at least 80% lean meat for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly to prevent soggy tortillas and ensure a crispy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added complexity.
- Make the dish gluten-free by using corn tortillas and checking taco seasoning ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg