Get ready to discover the ultimate homemade Steak Quesadillas recipe! This flavorful dish makes for a perfect weeknight meal or a fantastic appetizer. You will learn to create incredibly crispy, cheesy quesadillas loaded with savory steak. It is simple, satisfying, and quick to prepare, proving that delicious meals do not have to be complicated.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Steak Quesadillas
You will quickly fall in love with these easy Steak Quesadillas for many reasons.
- It is a quick and easy dinner solution, ideal for busy evenings.
- Every bite is bursting with savory steak and perfectly melted cheese.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
- These steak and cheese quesadillas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- It is a fantastic way to utilize any leftover steak you might have.
Ingredients
Crafting these amazing Steak Quesadillas starts with fresh, quality ingredients. You will need a good cut of steak, a vibrant blend of seasonings, fresh onions, and plenty of cheese, all nestled between warm tortillas.
- 1 lb flank or skirt steak
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 10 medium (8-inch) flour tortillas
- Optional: salsa, guacamole, sour cream for serving
Notes & Substitutions
- Steak: While flank or skirt steak offers great flavor and texture, feel free to use other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even pre-cooked steak if you are short on time.
- Cheese: Mix and match your favorites! Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a store-bought Mexican blend work wonderfully to create gooey, melted goodness.
- Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Just remember they might be smaller and require careful handling.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or black beans make excellent additions to your quesadilla filling.
- Seasoning: Always adjust the spices to match your personal taste preference. Add a pinch of chili powder for extra warmth.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spatula
- Small mixing bowls
Instructions
Making delicious homemade Steak Quesadillas is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked steak and wonderfully crispy, cheesy tortillas every time.
- First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, pat both sides of your steak dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet. Carefully place the seasoned steak in the pan. Cook it for about 4 to 8 minutes per side. The exact time depends on your steak’s thickness and your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest there while you prepare the onions.
- Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and sauté them, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. They should become softened and slightly caramelized. Once cooked, transfer the onions to a separate bowl. Carefully wipe the inside of the skillet clean with a few paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy Steak Quesadillas.
- Uncover the rested steak and slice it against the grain into thin strips or bite-sized chunks.
- Scientific research demonstrates that slicing meat against the grain shortens muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and less chewy bite.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Now, it is time to assemble your delicious quesadillas. Place one flour tortilla flat. On one half of the tortilla, spread about ½ cup of the mixed shredded cheese. Layer some of the sliced steak on top of the cheese, then add a portion of the sautéed onions.
- Finish with another ½ cup of shredded cheese and a tiny pinch of salt. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled half to create a crescent, or use a second tortilla to cap it off.
- Place the clean skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Carefully transfer an assembled quesadilla to the skillet using a spatula. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bottom is beautifully golden-brown and crispy.
- Quickly flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until that side is also golden-brown and the cheese has completely melted into a gooey delight.
- Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, steak, and cheese mixture until all your Steak Quesadillas are cooked. Serve them immediately, either whole or cut into fourths. They are fantastic on their own or with a dollop of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Enjoy these wonderful beef quesadillas!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Steak Quesadillas is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you create a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
- Perfect steak: Do not overcook your steak; it will become tough. Always allow the steak to rest thoroughly after cooking for juicier results.
- Crispy tortillas: Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking your quesadillas. Cook them one or two at a time to ensure even browning and crispness.
- Even melting: For perfectly melted cheese throughout, cover the skillet briefly while the quesadilla cooks. This traps steam and helps the cheese get wonderfully gooey.
- Avoid soggy quesadillas: Do not overload your tortillas with too much filling. A balanced amount ensures even cooking and prevents a soggy result.
- Prevent sticking: Use enough olive oil in the skillet, but not too much. Do not press down too hard on the quesadilla while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Steak Quesadillas experience with these delightful serving ideas.
- Serve them with classic Mexican toppings like fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and cool sour cream.
- Offer a variety of salsas, such as vibrant pico de gallo or tangy salsa verde, for different flavor profiles.
- Add a hearty side of refried beans or flavorful Mexican rice to make it a complete meal.
- Pair your cheesy steak quesadillas with a fresh green salad or a simple corn salad for a balanced and lighter touch.
Storage & Reheating
Planning ahead or enjoying leftovers is simple with these guidelines.
- Store any leftover Steak Quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped quesadillas for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen quesadillas overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to regain that desirable crispiness.
- Alternatively, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for even heating, especially for larger batches.
Variations
Get creative with your Steak Quesadillas by trying these delicious twists.
- Spicy: Add finely diced jalapeños or roasted poblano peppers to the filling for a fiery kick.
- Veggie-packed: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, sweet corn, or hearty black beans for extra nutrition and texture.
- Smoky flavor: Enhance the overall taste by adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your steak seasoning blend.
- Different proteins: Not a fan of steak? Use cooked chicken, shredded pork carnitas, or even sautéed shrimp as alternatives.
- Loaded quesadilla: Finish your cooked quesadilla with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or tangy pickled red onions before serving for an explosion of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed choices. The values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy these delicious steak and cheese quesadillas thoughtfully as part of a balanced diet.
| Serving Size | 1 quesadilla |
|---|---|
| Calories | 818 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Protein | 53 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Cholesterol | 143 mg |
| Sodium | 2355 mg |
| Potassium | 577 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 757 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 694 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Nutrition is approximate and varies by ingredients used and specific portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of steak is best for quesadillas?
Flank or skirt steak is highly recommended for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. These cuts slice beautifully against the grain.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or leftover steak is a fantastic time-saver. Simply warm it through with the onions before assembling your quesadillas.
How do I get my quesadillas crispy?
Cook them in a hot, lightly oiled skillet over medium heat without overcrowding the pan. A clean skillet also helps achieve that golden-brown crispness.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the most delicious and easy homemade Steak Quesadillas. This recipe is incredibly versatile and satisfying, perfect for a quick family dinner or entertaining friends. Do not hesitate to try this fantastic recipe and share your culinary creations with everyone. Enjoy these cheesy, savory beef quesadillas tonight!
Steak Quesadillas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat skillet over medium-high. Pat steak dry. Combine salt, onion powder, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Season steak on both sides.
- Add 1.5 tbsp olive oil to skillet. Cook steak 4–8 minutes per side. Transfer to cutting board to rest.
- Add remaining oil to skillet. Sauté sliced onions about 8 minutes until soft. Transfer to bowl. Wipe skillet clean.
- Slice rested steak thinly against the grain. Mix mozzarella and Monterey Jack in a bowl.
- Assemble quesadillas with cheese, steak, onions, and more cheese on half of each tortilla. Fold or top with second tortilla.
- Cook each quesadilla in clean skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and melty. Serve immediately with toppings.
Nutrition
Notes
- Substitute flank steak with sirloin or pre-cooked steak if short on time.
- Gluten-free tortillas can be used.
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