Ground Elk Quesadillas
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
6 quesadillas
-
Calories
668 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Mexican
Ground Elk Quesadillas
Description
This recipe uses ground elk or other lean wild game meats combined with taco seasoning, cooked in lard if needed for fat, and enriched with tomato paste and wild game or beef stock. Red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic add freshness and sweetness, while the cooking liquid helps keep the filling moist, which is important for lean game meats.
The quesadillas are assembled by layering the meat mixture and cheese between tortillas with a sprinkle of cilantro. Starting with a cold griddle and gradually heating helps melt the cheese evenly without overcooking the tortillas. The cheese used is typically quesadilla cheese, though other good melt cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar can be substituted.
Cooking times vary with stove type, with gas stoves generally quicker to heat than electric. The quesadillas develop a browned, slightly crispy exterior while the interior remains layered with melted cheese and flavorful meat filling. Served with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa, they offer rich, hearty flavors.
The recipe notes emphasize managing moisture in the filling to avoid dryness, especially with wild game meats, by incorporating vegetables, tomato paste, and stock. Adjusting the pan temperature and cooking times can ensure the right balance of crispy exterior and melted interior.
Ingredients
Filling:
- ½ lb ground elk or venison, moose, antelope, etc
- 2 ½ tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lard only needed if meat lacks fat
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup wild game stock or beef stock
- ¾ cup red bell pepper finely diced
- ¾ cup red onion finely diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
Other Ingredients:
- 12 tortillas 6 inch or casera size
- 3 cups quesadilla cheese or Monterey Jack, cheddar, etc
- 2 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
Sauces (optional):
- guacamole
- sour cream
- salsa
Instructions
- To a medium bowl, add ground meat and taco seasoning. Mix seasoning into meat with your hands until well-combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lard to pan and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add seasoned meat to pan and spread out in a thin layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned on the bottom. Flip and break the meat up into small pieces.
- Add diced peppers, diced onions, and minced garlic to pan. Stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until vegetables start to soften.
- Add in tomato paste and stock. Stir to combine. Simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed into the meat mixture, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- To a cold griddle, add half of the tortillas. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your griddle. Top each tortilla with ¼ cup cheese.
- Spread ⅓ cup meat mixture on top of cheese. Top with ½ teaspoon cilantro and ¼ cup cheese. Place remaining tortillas on top.
- Heat griddle on medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until bottom is golden brown and cheese is melting.
- Flip quesadillas and cook an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes before cutting.
- Cut quesadillas into quarters and serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or your desired dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Quesadilla cheese is ideal, but other melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack can be used.
- Starting with a cold pan allows the cheese to melt before the tortilla browns too much.
- Cooking times may be longer on electric stoves compared to gas stoves.
- Incorporating vegetables, tomato paste, and stock keeps the wild game filling moist and prevents dryness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6quesadillas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 668 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 668kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 154mg | 51% |
| Sodium | 1176mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 311mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 731IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 945mg | 95% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
