Quesadillas are a classic and comforting Tex-Mex dish that is easy to make and enjoy. Steak quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer with juicy steak, melted cheese, and fresh veggies wrapped up in a toasted tortilla. This steak quesadilla recipe will teach you how to make the perfect steak quesadilla right in your kitchen.
What is a Steak Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a simple folded tortilla filled with cheese and other fillings and then toasted until the cheese melts. Traditional quesadillas are made with just cheese, but steak quesadillas take this basic recipe and add succulent steak, peppers, onions, and other vegetables for a heartier, more filling meal. The crispy tortilla paired with the hot melted cheese and savory steak makes each bite mouthwatering.
Steak quesadillas make for a great lunch or dinner option. You can customize them to satisfy your tastes by adding different fillings like mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, avocado, etc. They are also easy to serve for a group because they can be prepared quickly and cut into wedges for sharing. Kids will devour these handheld treats, making them a tremendous family-friendly dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have these incredible quesadillas on the table in under 30 minutes.
This recipe will teach you how to make the tastiest steak quesadillas from start to finish using flavorful ingredients and easy techniques. Whether you are cooking for yourself or to share, these quesadillas will be a significant crowd-pleaser! Let’s get started with a steak quesadilla recipe.
Ingredients
Steak quesadillas require only a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
Here is what you will need to make two large steak quesadillas:
- Two large flour tortillas
- 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced
- 1⁄2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 1⁄2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- One small onion, thinly sliced
- One bell pepper, cut into strips
- Two tablespoons butter, divided
- Oil for brushing tortilla
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, etc. for serving (optional)
The filling ingredients, such as steak, onions, and bell peppers, can be modified or swapped for other meats and vegetables you enjoy. When substituting, just maintain the overall amounts.
Some optional toppings that go great with steak quesadillas include:
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced mushrooms
- Baby spinach
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
Always gather all the ingredients and tools you will need before beginning the cooking process. This steak quesadilla recipe cooks up fast once you start!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make perfect steak quesadillas:
Cook the Steak
- Pat the sliced steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over high heat until sizzling.
- Add the steak slices in an even layer and cook without moving for 2 minutes to get a sear.
- Flip steak slices and cook another 1-2 minutes on the second side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Transfer seared steak to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Melt the remaining one tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Season the sautéed vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from skillet.
Assemble the Quesadillas
- Place one large tortilla on a clean work surface. Lightly brush with oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle half the shredded cheese evenly over half of the tortilla, leaving a border around the edge.
- Top the cheese with half the cooked steak slices in an even layer.
- Add half of the cooked onion and pepper mixture over the steak.
- Fold the empty tortilla half over the filling and press down gently to compact.
Cook the Quesadillas
- Place the assembled quesadilla in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- Carefully flip and cook on the second side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and cool for 2 minutes before cutting it into wedges.
- Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining ingredients for a second quesadilla.
- Serve quesadilla wedges immediately while hot, with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
- Substitute chicken, pork, shrimp, or vegan crumbles for the steak.
- Add sliced avocado, diced tomato, or crema as a topping.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
- Cook quesadillas in a panini press for faster cooking.
- Change up the cheeses or add extras like pepper jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of steak is best for quesadillas?
The best steak cuts for quesadillas are sirloin and ribeye. These tender cuts become juicy and flavorful when cooked quickly over high heat. They also pair deliciously with the cheese filling.
Can I prepare the steak on the grill instead?
Yes, grilled steak works great in quesadillas, too. After grilling, just make sure to slice it thinly across the grain so it will melt into the cheese.
Do I need to grease the pan to cook the quesadillas?
Lightly brushing the tortillas with oil before cooking helps them get crispy and golden brown without sticking too much. You can use butter or oil on the pan, but the tortillas should be lightly oiled.
How do I stop the cheese from leaking when I flip the quesadilla?
Be sure to seal the edges of the quesadilla tightly as you assemble it. Use the back of a spatula to compact the quesadilla before flipping. Flipping carefully and quickly will also limit leakage.
Can I meal prep steak quesadillas?
Yes, assemble the quesadillas up until the cooking step. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days before cooking. You can freeze assembled, uncooked quesadillas in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Steak quesadillas are an easy, flavorful meal that can be customized endlessly to satisfy any taste. With tender steak, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell, they are sure to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings. Using flavorful ingredients like ribeye steak, bell peppers, onions, and a cheese blend ensures each bite packs maximum flavor. Discover the best way to cook skirt steak with our mouth-watering guide, and seamlessly integrate it into our steak quesadilla recipe. Follow the simple instructions to cook the quesadillas to melty, golden-brown perfection. Enjoy this recipe on a busy weeknight or as a fun dish for sharing at your next game day or party. With this versatile and much-loved Tex-Mex favorite, the possibilities are endless, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
