Steak Quesadillas Recipe

Steak quesadillas are a delicious, hearty meal featuring juicy, seasoned steak, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe combines bold flavors with a simple cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Marinate the Steak: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub the mixture over both sides of the steak and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for more flavor).
2. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice it against the grain.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay out the flour tortillas. On half of each tortilla, layer some shredded cheese, sliced steak, and sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top to help everything stick together.
2. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter.
2. Place the assembled quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and slice them into wedges.
2. Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for garnish.

Tips for the Best Steak Quesadillas

• Steak Choice: For the best results, use a cut like flank steak, skirt steak, or even ribeye for tender, flavorful quesadillas.
• Cook the Steak to Your Liking: Adjust the cooking time of the steak depending on your preference. Medium-rare steak works great for quesadillas as it stays tender when reheated.
• Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to add extras like jalapeños, black beans, or corn for a more robust filling.

Variations

1. Chicken Quesadillas

Swap the steak for grilled chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.

2. Veggie Quesadillas

For a vegetarian version, load up on more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach in place of the steak.

3. Spicy Quesadillas

Add some heat with diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the quesadilla.

Serving Suggestions

• Guacamole: Serve alongside a fresh batch of homemade or store-bought guacamole.
• Rice and Beans: Pair with classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
• Pico de Gallo: Add a burst of fresh flavor with some pico de gallo or fresh salsa.

FAQs

1. Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quesadillas ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat them in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.

2. How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?

Make sure the pan is hot before adding the quesadilla, and don’t overstuff it with too much filling. Cooking it in butter also helps keep the tortilla crisp.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas?

The best way to reheat quesadillas is in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving them as it can make the tortillas soggy.

Conclusion

These Steak Quesadillas are the perfect blend of juicy, tender steak, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful sautéed veggies, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or a casual gathering, they’re sure to be a hit!

Yield: 4

Steak Quesadillas Recipe

Print

Steak quesadillas are a delicious, hearty meal featuring juicy, seasoned steak, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this recipe combines bold flavors with a simple cooking process.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak (or ribeye, skirt steak)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak:

Season the steak with olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the steak.

2. Cook the Steak:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from the pan and let the steak rest for 5 minutes. Slice it thinly against the grain.

3. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and sauté the sliced onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Quesadillas:

Lay out 4 tortillas. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on each tortilla. Divide the sliced steak and sautéed vegetables (if using) evenly on top of the cheese. Place another tortilla on top to make a quesadilla.

5. Cook the Quesadillas:

In a clean skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.

6. Serve:

Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

Steak Options: You can use flank steak, ribeye, or skirt steak for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.

Add-Ins: Customize your quesadillas with sautéed onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, or even mushrooms.

Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.