Steak quesadilla is a delightful dish that combines the best of both worlds: savory steak and cheesy quesadillas. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a go-to choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Enjoy a delicious combination of tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies.
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in under an hour.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfect for sharing: Slice into triangles for a fun appetizer or serve as a hearty main dish.
- Kid-friendly: Kids will love the cheesy goodness, making it an ideal choice for family meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your kitchen tools to make the cooking process smooth.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large heavy-bottom skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
Why These Tools Matter
- Large heavy-bottom skillet: Ensures even cooking and prevents burning while sautéing veggies and steak.
- Sharp knife: Allows for precise slicing of vegetables and meat, enhancing presentation.
- Spatula: Perfect for flipping quesadillas without spilling any delicious fillings.
Ingredients
For the Steak Quesadilla
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds skirt steak (thinly sliced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small sweet onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup salsa (We love this Rotel Salsa recipe.)
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Limes
How to Make Steak Quesadilla
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sweet onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced skirt steak. Sauté until cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Then add taco seasoning and water. Mix well before adding the sautéed veggies back into the skillet, stirring thoroughly.
Step 3: Fill the Tortilla
Place a tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat. On one side of the tortilla, add about ¼ cup of the steak mixture, followed by another ¼ cup of sautéed veggies, and a handful of shredded cheese. Toast for about 30 seconds before folding over to close.
Step 4: Cook the Quesadilla
Allow the quesadilla to cook for a couple of minutes until golden brown before flipping it carefully. Cook for another couple of minutes until the cheese has melted completely.
Step 5: Repeat
Continue filling and cooking additional quesadillas using remaining ingredients.
Step 6: Serve
Slice each quesadilla into triangles and serve topped with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!
How to Serve Steak Quesadilla
Serving steak quesadillas is all about enhancing their delicious flavors. Pairing them with complementary sides and toppings can elevate the experience and make your meal truly delightful.
Toppings
- Salsa: A fresh salsa adds a zesty kick and balances the richness of the quesadilla.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a smooth texture and refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the seasoned steak.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a cool contrast to the warm quesadilla, enhancing each bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for an herbal note that brightens up the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your quesadilla for a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness.
Sides
- Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned Mexican rice complements the flavors of the steak quesadilla beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and make for a hearty addition to your plate.
- Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob brings sweetness and a smoky flavor that pairs well with the savory quesadilla.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa provide a crunchy contrast to the soft quesadilla.
How to Perfect Steak Quesadilla
To achieve the ultimate steak quesadilla, follow these simple tips. They will help ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Bold seasoning: Ensure you use enough taco seasoning on your steak to infuse it with flavor. This is key to deliciousness.
- Thinly slice meat: Cut skirt steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness, making it easier to chew in each bite.
- Properly sauté veggies: Sauté vegetables until caramelized for added sweetness, which enhances overall flavor in the quesadilla.
- Don’t overload tortillas: Fill tortillas just enough so they can close without spilling out. This helps them cook evenly and hold together well.
- Use a hot skillet: Cooking in a preheated skillet ensures that tortillas become golden brown and crispy while melting cheese perfectly inside.
Best Side Dishes for Steak Quesadilla
Pairing side dishes with steak quesadillas can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn coated with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime makes for a flavorful side dish.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro offers protein and freshness alongside your quesadilla.
- Churros: Sweet fried dough rolled in sugar serves as a delightful dessert option after enjoying savory quesadillas.
- Avocado Salad: A simple salad featuring ripe avocado, tomatoes, onions, and lime dressing adds creaminess and balance to your meal.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini bring a crunchy element that complements soft quesadillas well.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve homemade or store-bought tortilla chips as an appetizer or snack before diving into your main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making steak quesadillas, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:
- Bold seasoning: Skipping or using too little taco seasoning may result in a bland quesadilla. Always use the recommended amount for full flavor.
- Bold cooking time: Overcooking the steak can make it tough. Aim for your preferred doneness and remove it from heat promptly.
- Bold cheese choice: Using low-quality cheese can lead to poor melting. Opt for good-quality Colby Jack or a blend that melts well.
- Bold tortilla handling: Not toasting the tortillas properly can make them chewy. Ensure they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Bold veggie prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly may lead to inconsistent cooking. Slice them uniformly for even sautéing.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover steak quesadillas in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Steak Quesadilla
- Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Steak Quesadilla
- Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Bold Microwave: Place quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Bold Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the quesadilla, and cook until warm, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I customize my Steak Quesadilla?
You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or switch up the cheese using pepper jack for added spice.
Can I use other meats instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken, turkey, or lamb are great alternatives that work well in this recipe.
What sides pair well with Steak Quesadilla?
Consider serving with rice, beans, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
How do I ensure my quesadillas are crispy?
Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tortilla and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Steak quesadillas are not just delicious; they’re also versatile and easy to customize to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want extra spice or fresh veggies, you can make this dish your own. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal!
Steak Quesadilla
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this savory Steak Quesadilla, a dish that combines tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables for a satisfying meal any night of the week. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this easy recipe allows for customization with your favorite toppings. The crispy tortillas are filled with a hearty blend of seasoned meat and veggies, making every bite a delicious experience. Serve these quesadillas with zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, and fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Quick to prepare, they’re destined to become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or celebratory feasts.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 2 pounds thinly sliced beef
- Taco seasoning
- Red and green bell peppers
- Sweet onion
- Minced garlic
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Flour tortillas
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
- Lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté sliced bell peppers and onion until translucent. Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
- In the same skillet, heat more olive oil and sauté the beef until cooked through. Stir in taco seasoning and water; mix well before adding sautéed veggies.
- Place a tortilla in another skillet over medium heat. Add a portion of the beef mixture and cheese on one side, then fold the tortilla.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve sliced with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (150g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
