If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy dinner that brings everyone to the table, this Sheet Pan Quesadillas recipe, or sheet pan tortilla bake, is the answer. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
What is a Sheet Pan Tortilla Bake?
A sheet pan tortilla bake is a layered, oven-baked dish that combines tortillas, seasoned meat, vegetables, beans, and plenty of cheese, all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The tortillas act as both the base and the topping, wrapping everything into one crispy, golden package.
Unlike a traditional casserole or lasagna, this recipe has a Tex-Mex twist, with taco-seasoned beef, black beans, green chiles, and melty cheese. It’s customizable, fun to make, and comes out looking like a giant stuffed tortilla pie that slices beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or making it ahead for leftovers, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You Need
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A drizzle of olive oil gives the beef a rich, silky texture as it browns. We love how it helps everything cook evenly while adding a hint of smooth, earthy flavor.
- Lean Ground Beef – Ground beef creates the hearty base for this bake. Using a lean cut keeps it flavorful without being greasy.
- Sea Salt – A touch of salt brings out the natural flavor of the meat and veggies. Add it gradually and taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a little warmth and bite. Grinding it right before using gives the most aromatic result.
- Onion – Chopped onion adds a layer of savory sweetness to balance the richness of the beef. Cooking it until soft and translucent builds a deeper flavor base.
- Bell Peppers – Bell peppers add bright color and a subtle crunch to every bite. We love using a mix of red and yellow for a little extra sweetness.
- Black Beans – These beans add creaminess and extra protein, making the dish more satisfying. Rinse them well to remove excess sodium and let their flavor shine.
- Diced Green Chiles – Green chiles bring gentle heat and a pop of tangy flavor. They blend seamlessly with the taco seasoning for a little kick that’s not overpowering.
- Taco Seasoning – This spice blend ties the whole dish together with smoky, savory flavor. Homemade seasoning works well, but store-bought can also keep things extra simple.
- Flour Tortillas – Tortillas create the base and top layer for this bake, soaking up flavor while getting crispy in the oven. Use taco-sized for smaller portions or burrito-sized for a larger, heartier version.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Cheddar melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy bite that complements the beef. Freshly shredded cheese gives the smoothest melt.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese – Monterey Jack balances the cheddar with a creamy, mild flavor. The two together create the perfect gooey, cheesy finish.
- Green Onions – Thinly sliced green onions bring freshness and a hint of mild onion flavor. Sprinkle them on before baking for color and after baking for gorgeous brightness.
- Sour Cream – Cool and creamy, sour cream balances the warm spices perfectly. Add a generous dollop on top before serving for the perfect finishing touch.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh pico adds juicy, vibrant flavor and a little crunch. It brightens up the rich layers of the bake with a burst of freshness!
How to Make Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Prep the filling. Warm olive oil in a pan, then crumble in the ground beef.
- Add the other ingredients. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, beans, and chiles. Let everything cook together until the veggies soften and the mixture is fragrant.
- Season it up. If needed, return the pan to the stovetop. Stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water, mixing until the meat and veggies are coated. Let it simmer until the liquid cooks away and the flavors cling to every bite. Adjust with salt or pepper if needed.
- Put it all together. Line a sheet pan with tortillas so they hang over the edges, then place one in the middle. Spread the filling evenly, top with both cheeses and green onions, and place a final tortilla on top. Fold the overhanging tortillas in to close the bake.
- Bake to perfection. Place another pan on top to help hold its shape while baking. Once it’s sturdy, remove the top pan and continue baking until the tortillas are golden and crispy.
- Serve it up. Slice into rectangles or wedges and add sour cream and pico de gallo for the finishing touch.
Variations
- Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken works in place of beef for an easy shortcut.
- Veggies – Load it with zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for a meatless version that’s still hearty.
- Spiciness – Stir in jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a hotter twist.
- Beans – Use pinto or kidney beans instead of black beans for a different texture.
- Breakfast-style – Swap the beef for scrambled eggs, sausage, and breakfast potatoes, then serve with salsa.
- Cheese – Mix in queso fresco or use a Mexican cheese blend for extra gooey layers.
- Tortilla – Try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a different flavor and look. You can even use gluten-free varieties, too!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored, but keep in mind that the tortillas may soften as they sit. Crisp everything back up by reheating it in the oven.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months.
Common Questions about Sheet Pan Quesadillas
It pairs perfectly with a side salad, chips and guacamole, or roasted vegetables.
Using less liquid in the filling and baking until crisp helps keep the tortillas sturdy.
Yes! Assemble it a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Then, bake right before serving.
Yes, ground turkey is a lighter option and absorbs the seasoning just as well.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
From quesadillas to tacos and even sides, we can’t get enough south-of-the-border flavor in our lives! If you’re the same, you’ll want to check out more of our popular Mexican-inspired dishes.
Sheet Pan Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
- 3 Tablespoon taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12-14 large flour tortillas
- 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- Sour cream for serving
- Pico de gallo for serving
Instructions
Cook the filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, 4–5 minutes. Then remove from heat.1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 pound lean ground beef
- Stir in the onion, bell peppers, black beans, and green chiles.1 onion, 2 bell peppers, 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
Season:
- Return to heat if needed. Add the taco seasoning along with ¼ cup water. Stir well and cook until the liquid has evaporated and everything is coated in seasoning, 3–4 minutes.3 Tablespoon taco seasoning
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust with more salt or taco seasoning, if desired.Sea salt, Freshly ground black pepper
Assemble:
- On a half sheet pan, arrange the tortillas around the edges so that half of each hangs over the sides12-14 large flour tortillas
- Place 1 tortilla in the center to cover the pan. Spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle with both cheeses and green onions. Place another tortilla in the center on top, then fold the overhanging tortillas inward to cover the filling.1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 2 green onions
Bake:
- Set another sheet pan on top to hold everything in place.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until the tortillas start to crisp. Remove the top pan and continue baking for 15 minutes more, until golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Slice into squares or rectangles. Serve warm with sour cream and pico de gallo.Sour cream, Pico de gallo
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
All my family loved it! Such flavorful, filling and balanced recipe!
Hi Oana,
This is one of our favorites, too! So glad you and your family enjoyed it!
xo,
Alia & Radwa
what size of sheet pan are you using for this?
Hi Sean,
We use 2 half sheet pans. Let us know how turns out!
xo,
Alia and Radwa
Making for dinner.
Do I need to oil my cookie sheet before placing tortillas on it!
We don’t find it necessary. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
LOVE this for dinners!