Keema Quesarito
I looked to Taco Bell this time to inspire my Keema Quesarito. YES - it is a quesadilla with spicy keema (minced meat), cilantro rice, sour cream, and a whole lot of queso. I would essentially call this a MUCH healthier and tastier version of the Taco Bell classic. For some, this might be another meal prep classic. You can transform the ingredients into a delicious bowl or enjoy it as a quesadilla! ⏱️ Total Time: 50 minutes
Chef's Notes
- Super large flour tortillas work for this the best. I have used the low-carb slightly smaller versions as well if you're trying to use a healthier alternative, but they definitely fall apart a little bit more than the regular large flour tortillas.
- If you have your own favorite keema recipe, use it!
- If you are vegetarian, you can always replace the meat with black or pinto beans.
Ingredients
Simple Keema
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Crushed Cardamom Pods
- 2 Cloves
- 1/2 Diced Red Onion
- 4 Minced Garlic Cloves
- 1 Roma Tomato Diced
- 1/2 LB Minced Chicken, Turkey, or Lamb
- 1 Tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 Tsp Turmeric
- 2 Tsp Cumin
- 1 Tsp Coriander
- Salt & Pepper
Cilantro-Lime Rice
- 2 C Cooked Basmati Rice
- 1 Lime
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Pepper
- 1/2 C Cilantro Finely Chopped
Assembly
- 6 Tortillas
- 1 C Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
- 9 Tbsp Queso
- 6 Tbsp Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Hot Sauce
- Avocado
Instructions
Recipe for Keema
- 1
Heat the oil on a non-stick pan on medium heat. Add the cardamom and cloves if you're using them. Let them sizzle in the oil until fragrant - about 2 mins or less.
- 2
Add the red onion and garlic. Cook through for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- 3
Add the tomatoes, red chili, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper (or Shan Masala alternatively) to the onion mix. Sautée together for about 4 minutes.
- 4
Add in the meat. Use a spatula or spoon to break apart the meat as it cooks so it has a crumbled texture, adding a little bit of water if it starts getting dry. Cook this through for about 7-8 minutes until the meat is brown. Add salt if necessary!
Recipe for Cilantro Rice
- 1
Warm up the rice if it was previously cooked or use your freshly made rice.
- 2
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Place to the side while you assemble the Keema Quesarito.
Recipe for Assembling the Quesarito
- 1
Heat up a non-stick pan to medium heat. Place the tortilla on the pan, and sprinkle 1/3 cup of the shredded cheese. Add a few sprinkles of hot sauce.
- 2
Once the cheese starts to melt, add the other tortilla on top and flip so the other side gets heated. The tortilla should not be browned or crispy on either side, the cheese should just be melted. This is so the quesadilla is easy to fold into a burrito. Place the quesadilla on the side, and repeat two more times for the other quesadillas.
- 3
Place your quesadillas on a flat surface. Add in 3 tablespoons of queso, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1/3 cup rice, and 1/3 cup meat to each quesadilla in the center in a rectangular shape. Top with extra cilantro and hot sauce if you'd like! Fold the burrito (this might be slightly tough to fold because it is thicker than a normal burrito, but take your time and make sure you keep packing in the fillings).
- 4
After the burritos are folded, place them fold side down on a non-stick pan on medium heat. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the burrito is sealed then flip it to the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes till it browns. That's it! Serve with extra cilantro rice, keema, avocado, and hot sauce (or Taco Bell sauce)!

Pairs Perfectly
Nani
For the serious heat seekers - bold, fiery, unforgettable. Nani brings the heat with a blend habaneros, red bell pepper, and carrots along with a mild touch of Manuka honey that creates an incredible depth of flavor alongside serious spice. 🌟 Key Features: Heat Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Hot) Primary Ingredients: Habaneros, carrots, red bell pepper, Manuka honey, and vinegar Flavor Profile: Intense heat, punchy, fun Perfect With: Tacos, stir-fries, grilled meats, Greek yogurt 🔥 Warning: Extreme heat level! Start with just a few drops. Not recommended for beginners.
