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A golden-brown steak quesadilla cut into wedges with melted cheese oozing out.

Steak Quesadilla Recipe

This steak quesadilla recipe is a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful dish packed with tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies, all tucked inside a crispy, golden-brown tortilla. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience!
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • For the Steak Marinade:
  • 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • For the Quesadillas:
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar, Monterey Jack
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced (optional for spice)
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil for cooking
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sour cream salsa, and guacamole (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Steak:
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices.
  • Coat the steak with the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
  • Cook the Steak:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness.
  • Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:
  • In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and sauté the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños until soft and slightly caramelized.
  • Assemble the Quesadillas:
  • Place a tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle a layer of cheese, followed by steak slices and sautéed veggies.
  • Top with more cheese and another tortilla.
  • Cook the Quesadilla:
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip carefully.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining ingredients.
  • Slice & Serve:
  • Cut into triangles, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Notes

Best Cheese Options: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend work best.
Tortilla Tip: Use flour tortillas for a crispy yet flexible texture.
Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Make-Ahead: You can marinate the steak overnight for extra flavor.
Keyword Steak quesadilla, easy quesadilla recipe, Tex-Mex quesadilla, homemade quesadilla, cheesy steak quesadilla, Mexican food, quick dinner idea