Are you tired of the same old sandwiches for lunch? Maybe you’re looking for a delicious way to use that leftover steak from last night’s dinner. Well, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect solution—a mouthwatering steak quesadilla recipe! This meal not only brings savory flavors to your palate but also offers an excellent opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.
One fantastic fact about this dish is that it can be made with either flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through marinating your steak with simple ingredients, prepping your veggies, and melting just the right cheese to achieve quesadilla perfection.
Plus, we have tips on storing and reheating so that nothing goes to waste. Get ready for a flavor-packed lunch that’ll turn heads at the table!
Key Takeaways
- Use flavorful cuts like carne asada or ribeye for the steak in your quesadillas and make sure to marinate or season well.
- Shred cheese like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca over the meat and veggies for a melty, delicious filling.
- Sauté peppers and onions until golden brown to add crunch and flavor to your quesadilla.
- Cook filled tortillas in a pan on medium heat until crispy, flipping once to avoid spilling the contents.
- Store leftover quesadillas by wrapping them tightly and freezing; reheat on the stove, microwave, or air fryer for best results.
Essential Ingredients for Steak Quesadillas Recipe
Indulge in the symphony of flavors and textures that make this steak quesadilla recipe a crowd-pleaser: succulent steak paired with rich, melting cheese, all hugged by a crispy tortilla. With just a few staple produce items to bring freshness and balance, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite.
Steak
Choose your steak with flavor in mind. Carne asada, ribeye, flank steak, and sirloin all work great for quesadillas. Slice the steak before adding it to the recipe to ensure every bite is filled with delicious meat.
Go for cuts that have a good balance of meat and fat for juiciness.
Marinate or season your steak well. Try a dry rub, taco seasoning, or simple salt and pepper to enhance its taste. The right seasoning can take your quesadillas from good to fantastic! Cook the steak until it’s just right – seared outside but still tender inside – then cut it into thin strips ready for layering into the quesadilla.
Cheese
Cheese turns a good steak quesadilla into a great one. Shredded cheese melts well and blankets the steak in gooey deliciousness. For your steak quesadillas, pick from mozzarella or cheddar to keep it simple.
Want more kick? Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Oaxaca, or Chihuahua for extra flavor. These cheeses meld perfectly with the savory taste of seared steak. Sprinkle generously to ensure every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness.
Now imagine biting into that perfect combination of melted cheese and seasoned beef wrapped in a warm tortilla. Ready to add some color and crunch? Let’s talk about adding peppers and onions next!
Peppers and onions
Peppers and onions add a burst of flavor to this steak quesadilla recipe. Grab some olive oil and heat it in a skillet. Toss in sliced bell peppers and onions next. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over them.
Stir everything well. Cook for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown.
For an extra taste twist, try caramelized onions instead of sautéed ones. Caramelizing brings out the natural sugars in the onions, making them sweet and rich in flavor. Just cook them slowly on low heat until they’re soft and browned.
Either way, your quesadillas will be delicious!
Seasoning the Steak with a 3-Ingredient Steak Marinade
Seasoning the steak is easy with a simple marinade. You only need olive oil, minced garlic, and ground cumin.
– Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into a bowl.
– Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic for a rich flavor.
– Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to give it some warmth.
– Stir these ingredients until they are well combined.
– Place your skirt steak in the mixture making sure every part is covered.
– Let the steak sit in this marinade for at least one hour so it can soak up all the tastes.
How to Prepare this Steak Quesadillas Recipe
4. How to Prepare for this Steak Quesadilla Recipe: Dive into the sizzling adventure of cooking up these cheesy, flavorful delights and elevate your meal game to a whole new level—read on for the must-know secrets!
Preparing the filling
Making the filling for your steak quesadillas is easy and fun. You get to mix tasty ingredients that will melt together inside a crispy tortilla.
- Choose your favorite type of steak, such as carne asada, ribeye, or flank steak. Cut it into thin strips so it cooks quickly and fits well in the tortilla.
- Season the meat with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a simple yet delicious flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium – high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook them until they’re browned and done to your liking.
- Take the cooked steak out of the pan and set it aside. Use the same pan to cook sliced peppers and onions.
- Sauté peppers and onions with a bit more salt and garlic powder until they are golden brown. This adds sweet and savory notes to your quesadilla filling.
- Mix in any additional seasonings you like, such as onion powder or bottled steak seasoning, for an extra kick.
- Combine the sautéed veggies with the cooked steak in a bowl. Stir them together so every bite has a mix of flavors.
- Shred your chosen cheese—Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Oaxaca—over the steak mixture. The cheese will act as glue to hold everything together when melted.
Assembling and cooking the quesadillas
Now that your steak is marinated and the veggies are sautéed, it’s time for the fun part – putting it all together! Cooking quesadillas is quick and easy. Follow these steps to get the perfect steak quesadilla every time:
- Lay a soft taco shell flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of shredded Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Add slices of the seasoned steak on top of the cheese. Make sure you spread them out for even cooking.
- Spoon some peppers and onions over the steak. They add great flavor and crunch.
- Fold the empty half of the tortilla over to cover the fillings, creating a half – moon shape.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. No need to add oil if you’re using a non – stick pan.
- Place your folded quesadilla into the hot pan carefully. Cook until the bottom turns golden brown, usually about 3 minutes.
- Flip it gently! Use a spatula so you don’t spill any filling. The other side should also take about 3 minutes to cook.
- Remove your crispy quesadilla from the pan. Let it sit for a minute before cutting into wedges. This helps keep everything together when you slice it.
- Serve hot with your delicious homemade quesadilla sauce or any sides like guacamole or salsa.
Pro Tips for Perfect Steak Quesadillas Recipe
Getting steak quesadillas just right takes some practice. Here are some pro tips to help you make them delicious every time.
– Pick the right cut of steak; flank, skirt, or even philly cheesesteak slices work well.
– Marinate your steak in a simple mix to enhance flavor; use lime juice, garlic, and olive oil for great results.
– Cook steak over medium-high heat until it’s done how you like it. Let it rest before cutting.
– Use plenty of monterey jack cheese for that perfect melt and stringy pull.
– Sauté peppers and onions until they’re soft and slightly browned for extra sweetness.
– Grill your tortilla on one side first to keep everything crisp while assembling the quesadilla.
– Keep the heat on low when cooking your filled quesadilla. This prevents burning while melting the cheese inside.
– Cut into wedges with a pizza cutter instead of a knife for clean edges. Serve with sides like salsa or sour cream.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Storing steak quesadillas is easy. You can enjoy them later with simple reheating steps.
- Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap.
- Use a marker to write the date on the wrap.
- Place wrapped quesadillas in a freezer bag or container.
- Push out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Put the quesadilla in the pan without oil or butter.
- Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until cheese melts and tortilla crisps.
- Lay the quesadilla on a microwave – safe plate.
- Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking at intervals to avoid sogginess.
- Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place frozen or refrigerated quesadillas in the basket.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until hot and cheese is bubbly.
Conclusion
Making steak quesadillas is fun and delicious. Try different cheeses and toppings to find your favorite combo. Serve them with salsa or guacamole for an extra kick. Enjoy the amazing flavors of a homemade quesadilla tonight!
For a detailed guide on creating the perfect 3-ingredient steak marinade that will elevate your quesadillas to gourmet status, don’t miss our exclusive steak marinade recipe.
FAQs
1. What do I need to make thes steak quesadilla recipe?
For a tasty steak quesadilla, you’ll need steak and cheese, red pepper, and soft-taco sized tortillas. You can add more toppings if you like!
2. Can I freeze my steak quesadillas for later?
Yes, you can freeze your cooked steak quesadillas! Make sure they’re cool before wrapping them up tight.
3. How long does it take to prep and cook a steak quesadilla?
Prep time is usually quick – about 10 minutes – while cook time might be around 5 minutes per quesadilla on the stove.
4. Are there any low carb options for making steak quesadillas?
Sure! Use low carb tortillas instead of regular ones to keep your meal within bounds.
5. What side dishes go well with steak quesadillas?
Spanish rice or salad are great sides with steak quesadillas. If you want something different, try nachos or zucchini bread too!