LOADED STEAK QUESADILLAS
These Loaded Steak Quesadillas are filled with juicy, seasoned steak, sautéed vegetables, and a blend of melted cheese, all grilled between crispy flour tortillas. A perfect, easy-to-make meal for any occasion, packed with savory flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper any color, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter for grilling
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
- Salsa sour cream, or guacamole (for serving)
Instructions
Cook the steak:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the quesadillas:
- Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half of it with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables, then top with a little more cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Grill the quesadillas:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter as needed.
Serve:
- Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can use other proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp as an alternative to steak.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy salsa as a topping.
- You can add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to customize the filling.
- For a healthier option, try using whole wheat tortillas and reducing the amount of cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.