Cheddar Quesarito With Avocado Cilantro Cream

Craving a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and exciting? Look no further than our Cheddar Quesarito with Avocado Cilantro Cream! This isn’t your average quesadilla – we’re taking things up a notch by rolling all your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients into a warm, perfectly grilled tortilla, then topping it with a vibrant and creamy avocado cilantro sauce. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will quickly become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Let’s get started on building this flavor bomb!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• Flour Tortillas (4 large, ≈ 25 cm/10 in): We’re using large flour tortillas as the base for our quesaritos. Their size allows for a generous filling, and their pliability makes them perfect for rolling. Look for tortillas that are soft and flexible, avoiding any that are brittle or cracked.
• Halal Ground Beef (250 g / ½ lb): Lean halal ground beef provides a hearty and savory foundation for the filling. Using halal beef ensures adherence to dietary requirements for those who prefer it. You can adjust the amount based on your preference, but 250g provides a good balance of flavor and texture.
• Chili Powder (1 tsp / 5 ml): This is the cornerstone of our beef seasoning, providing a warm, slightly spicy flavor. Use a good quality chili powder for the best results.
• Ground Cumin (½ tsp / 2.5 ml): Cumin adds an earthy and aromatic depth to the beef, complementing the chili powder beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika (½ tsp / 2.5 ml): A touch of smoked paprika introduces a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Garlic Powder (¼ tsp / 1 ml): Garlic powder provides a convenient and consistent garlic flavor throughout the beef.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste.
• Cooked White Rice (150 g / 1 ⅓ cup, cooled): Cooled rice adds a comforting and filling element to the quesarito. Using cooled rice prevents the tortilla from becoming soggy.
• Canned Black Beans (100 g / ½ cup, drained and rinsed): Black beans contribute a hearty texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Shredded Halal-Certified Cheddar Cheese (100 g / 1 cup): Cheddar cheese provides a classic, melty goodness. Opting for halal-certified cheese ensures it meets specific dietary standards.
• Ripe Avocado (1): The star of our creamy sauce! A ripe avocado should yield gently to pressure.
• Plain Sour Cream (2 tbsp / 30 ml, halal): Sour cream adds tanginess and richness to the avocado cilantro cream. Ensure it’s halal-certified if needed.
• Fresh Lime Juice (1 tbsp / 15 ml): Lime juice brightens the avocado cilantro cream and prevents the avocado from browning.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro (2 tbsp / 8 g): Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the avocado and lime.
• Small Jalapeño (1, seeds removed, finely minced): Jalapeño adds a touch of heat to the avocado cilantro cream. Removing the seeds reduces the spiciness.
• Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp / 15 ml): Used for cooking the beef and lightly brushing the tortillas for a golden-brown finish.

Optional Substitutions

Don’t have an ingredient on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work well.
• White Rice: Brown rice can be used instead of white rice.
• Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream.

Crafting the Perfect Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out a clean, flat surface. This is crucial for efficiently assembling your quesadillas. Having everything within reach – tortillas, fillings, and a small bowl of water (for sealing) – will streamline the process.
2. Apply the Avocado Cilantro Cream: Using a spoon or the squeeze bottle, spread a thin line of the avocado cilantro cream down the center of each tortilla. About 1 tablespoon is ideal; you want enough flavor without making the quesarito soggy. This cream acts as a flavorful base and helps bind the ingredients.
3. Layer the Rice: Distribute approximately 35g (¼ cup) of cooled, cooked white rice evenly over the cream. Cooling the rice prevents it from steaming the tortilla and making it flimsy.
4. Add the Black Beans: Sprinkle 25g (2 tablespoons) of drained and rinsed black beans on top of the rice. Rinsing the beans removes excess starch, contributing to a cleaner flavor and texture.
5. Pile on the Seasoned Beef: Add about 60g (¼ lb) of the seasoned ground beef over the beans. Ensure the beef is not overly hot, as this can melt the cheese prematurely and make rolling difficult.
6. Generously Sprinkle with Cheddar: Top the beef with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese – approximately 25g (¼ cup). Don’t skimp on the cheese; it’s the star of the show!
7. Fold and Roll: This is where technique matters. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, over the filling. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll the quesarito tightly, like a burrito. A tight roll prevents the filling from spilling out during cooking. If the tortilla doesn’t seal, lightly moisten the edge with a dab of water before rolling.
8. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the outside of the rolled quesarito with the remaining ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil. This ensures even browning and a crispy exterior.
9. Cook to Golden Perfection: Return the assembled quesarito to the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. The gentle pressure helps the tortilla make contact with the pan, promoting even cooking and melting the cheese. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfyingly crispy texture.

Choosing the Right Cheddar Cheese

The type of cheddar you use significantly impacts the flavor of your Cheddar Quesarito. A medium cheddar provides a balanced flavor that complements the other ingredients. Sharp cheddar will deliver a more pronounced cheesy bite, while mild cheddar will be more subtle. For the best melt, use pre-shredded cheddar or shred it yourself just before assembling the quesaditos. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which helps prevent clumping and promotes even melting.

The Science Behind the Avocado Cilantro Cream

The avocado cilantro cream isn’t just a flavorful addition; it’s a key component in the quesarito’s overall success. Avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture, while cilantro adds a bright, fresh herbaceousness. The lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the avocado from browning. The jalapeño introduces a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cheese and beef. This cream acts as a binding agent, holding the filling together and preventing it from becoming dry.

Spice Level Customization

This recipe offers a mild level of spice from the jalapeño. However, you can easily adjust the heat to your preference. For a spicier quesarito, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend for the beef. Alternatively, serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side for those who like to add an extra kick.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights

To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare several components of the quesaditos in advance. The seasoned ground beef and avocado cilantro cream can both be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The rice can also be cooked and cooled ahead of time. Simply assemble and cook the quesaditos when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal option!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the ground beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the beef and add more black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions.

Can I freeze these quesaditos?

While not ideal, you can freeze cooked quesaditos. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispness.

Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Quesarito with Avocado Cilantro Cream! It’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

Cheddar Quesarito With Avocado Cilantro Cream

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• Author: Brooke Ellis
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: General

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful Cheddar Quesarito with Avocado Cilantro Cream, a Tex-Mex fusion featuring seasoned beef, rice, beans, and cheese rolled in a tortilla and topped with a vibrant avocado sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

• Flour Tortillas (4 large, 25cm/10in)
• Halal Ground Beef (250g / ½lb): seasoned with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Cooked White Rice (150g / 1⅓cup, cooled)
• Canned Black Beans (100g / ½cup, drained and rinsed)
• Shredded Halal Cheddar Cheese (100g / 1cup)
• Ripe Avocado (1)
• Plain Sour Cream (2tbsp / 30ml, halal)
• Fresh Lime Juice (1tbsp / 15ml)
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro (2tbsp / 8g)
• Small Jalapeño (1, seeds removed, minced)
• Vegetable Oil (1tbsp / 15ml)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Workspace: Set up a clean surface with all ingredients.
2. Apply Avocado Cream: Spread avocado cilantro cream on tortillas.
3. Layer Rice: Distribute cooled rice over the cream.
4. Add Black Beans: Sprinkle black beans on top of the rice.
5. Pile on Beef: Add seasoned ground beef over the beans.
6. Sprinkle with Cheese: Top with cheddar cheese.
7. Fold and Roll: Roll tightly like a burrito, sealing edges.
8. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush with vegetable oil.
9. Cook to Perfection: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently.

Notes

For best results, cool the rice before assembling to prevent a soggy tortilla. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Mexican
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 quesarito
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg