Steak Quesadilla: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Meal in 2024

Introduction

Are you looking for a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time? Look no further than the steak quesadilla! This classic Mexican dish combines tender, juicy steak with melted cheese and your favorite toppings, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making the perfect steak quesadilla, from selecting the right ingredients to cooking and serving your creation.

Steak Quesadilla

Course: MainCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

2

hours 

35

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Sour cream and salsa for serving

Directions

• Season the sliced steak with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sauté the bell pepper, onion, and garlic until softened and slightly caramelized.
• Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned steak to the other side. Cook the steak until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
• Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle.
• Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add a layer of the cooked steak and vegetables on top of the cheese.
• Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal.
• Place the quesadilla back in the skillet and cook on both sides until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
• Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
• Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

To make a truly delicious steak quesadilla, you need to start with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Steak: Choose a tender cut of steak, such as sirloin or ribeye. Look for a piece with some marbling, as this will help keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking.
2. Tortillas: Opt for large, fresh flour tortillas. You can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
3. Cheese: A classic quesadilla calls for a melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar. Shred the cheese yourself for the best texture and flavor.
4. Toppings: The beauty of quesadillas is that you can customize them with your favorite toppings. Popular options include sautéed bell peppers and onions, fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Preparing the Steak

To ensure your steak is tender and flavorful, follow these simple steps:

1. Season the steak: Rub the steak with a mixture of salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, such as cumin or chili powder.
2. Let it rest: Allow the seasoned steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the meat cook more evenly and develop a better crust.
3. Cook the steak: Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Let it rest (again): After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
5. Slice the steak: Cut the steak into thin strips against the grain. This will make the meat more tender and easier to eat in the quesadilla.

Assembling and Cooking the Quesadilla

Now that your steak is prepared, it’s time to assemble and cook your quesadilla:

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
3. Add the sliced steak and any other desired toppings on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently to seal the edges.
5. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients until you have made enough quesadillas to satisfy your hunger.

Serving and Enjoying Your Steak Quesadilla

Once your steak quesadillas are cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy them:

1. Cut the quesadillas into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
2. Serve the quesadillas with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
3. Enjoy your creation while it’s still hot and the cheese is gooey and delicious.

Pairing Suggestions:

These Steak Quesadillas pair beautifully with a range of side dishes and beverages. For a classic Mexican-inspired feast, consider serving them alongside a fresh guacamole or pico de gallo, a zesty lime-cilantro rice, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. To quench your thirst, opt for an ice-cold margarita, a refreshing Mexican beer, or a tall glass of homemade agua fresca in flavors like watermelon or hibiscus.

Variations:

One of the great things about this Steak Quesadilla recipe is its versatility. Feel free to mix up the ingredients to suit your tastes or to use up what you have on hand. Try swapping the flank steak for grilled chicken or shrimp, or even go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or smoked gouda, or add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.

Leftover Ideas:

In the unlikely event that you have any leftover Steak Quesadillas, there are plenty of delicious ways to repurpose them. Chop them up and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos, or serve them over a bed of crisp lettuce for a Tex-Mex-inspired salad. You can even reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop for a quick and easy lunch the next day. And if you find yourself with extra steak and veggies, consider using them as toppings for nachos or as a filling for a hearty breakfast scramble.

Conclusion

Steak quesadillas are a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious and memorable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So fire up the stove, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering steak quesadilla!