Ground Turkey Quesadilla Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines all my favorite flavors into one crispy, cheesy quesadilla that’s super easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The mix of ground turkey, spices, and gooey cheese creates a delicious fusion, and it’s so much fun to customize each serving with salsa, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream!

These Ground Turkey Quesadillas are a dish I adore making because they pack a protein punch and, more importantly, taste awesome. The lean ground turkey, perked up with some basic seasonings (garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder) and going full-flavor with slightly smoky, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, sits on a nice base of quesadilla goodness with crunchy, sweet onion and bell pepper.

Ingredients

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source; versatile, healthy alternative to beef.
• Flour Tortillas: Provide carbohydrates; soft, perfect for wrapping fillings.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium; adds savory, tangy flavor.
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, creamy; enhances cheesy texture.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth; rich in antioxidants, vitamin C.
• Bell Pepper: Vitamin C rich; adds sweetness, vibrant color.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; enhances flavor, great for sautéing.
• Spices (Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder): Add warmth; enrich flavor profile.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or additional olive oil for cooking
• Sour cream, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Salsa, for serving (optional)
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big frying pan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they are softened and sweet, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Place the ground turkey in the frying pan and brown, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. Add the following ingredients, in the order given, stirring after each addition.

3. Stir in the following: garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the turkey is well coated with the spices.

4. Take the turkey mixture from the skillet and set aside. Wash the skillet clean.

5. Set a flour tortilla into the skillet. Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Use cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil in the skillet to keep the tortilla from sticking. If you have no cooking oil or spray, you can still warm a tortilla in a nonstick skillet. It may brown and crisp a little, but it will not become leathery and will remain pliable.

6. Evenly distribute a quarter cup of cheddar cheese over the tortilla. Spoon a quarter of the turkey mixture over the cheese, then top with a quarter cup of Monterey Jack cheese.

7. Put another tortilla on top, pressing it down gently. Let it cook until the bottom tortilla is a golden brown and the cheese is melty, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

8. Gently turn the quesadilla over so the open side is facing up. Cook until the side that was just flipped is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.

9. Take the quesadilla from the frying pan and let it cool for a short while before slicing it into wedges.

10. Redo movements 5-9 with the leftover components. Dish out with the aforementioned optional garnishes.

Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Plate or bowl (for setting aside turkey mixture)
8. Nonstick skillet (optional for tortilla warming)
9. Cooking spray or pastry brush (for applying olive oil)
10. Tongs or wide spatula (for flipping quesadillas)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?Absolutely. Ground turkey can be swapped for ground chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian option. Substituting for ground turkey is quite simple.
• Can these quesadillas be made ahead of time?Certainly! The filling can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply put together the quesadillas and cook them.
• How can I make the quesadillas spicier?To the filling, add some finely chopped jalapeños, or increase the amount of chili powder. Serve with hot sauce for additional heat.
• What can I serve alongside these quesadillas?Salsa, guacamole, and black bean salad complement them nicely. They also make a great side dish paired with rice.
• What should I do if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?Another option for you is to use a similar cheese, one that is mild in taste and melts well; mozzarella, of course, is the go-to cheese for this. But you can also use it with Colby Jack or any cheese that fits within this category.
• Can I freeze leftover quesadillas?Indeed, cooked quesadillas can be frozen. After cooling them, wrap each one tightly and place in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, reheat in the oven or on a skillet. They will taste just as good as when you first made them.
• How can I prevent the quesadillas from becoming soggy?Use medium-high heat and do not overload with filling to guarantee a crispy quesadilla.

Substitutions and Variations

Replace the turkey with ground chicken or ground beef for a change in flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
If you lack cheddar or Monterey Jack, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
If needed, substitute olive oil for vegetable oil or canola oil.
If you do not have chopped onion on hand, substitute with 1 teaspoon onion powder. This can also be done with garlic in its various forms.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance Chop the onion and bell pepper, and shred the cheeses before you start cooking. This organization helps the cooking process go smoothly and quickly.

2. Ensure Even Cooking When sautéing the onion and bell pepper, make sure they are cut into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in consistent texture and flavor.

3. Crispier Quesadillas For an extra crispy finish, lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil before placing them in the skillet. This will give them a delightful golden-brown crust.

4. Cheese Shield When assembling the quesadillas, put a layer of cheese both below and above the turkey mix. This acts as a ‘glue’ to hold everything together once melted, making it easier to flip the quesadilla without losing any filling.

5. Temperature Control Cook the quesadillas over medium heat to prevent the tortillas from burning before the cheese fully melts. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure optimal cooking results.