Description: These Steak & Cheese Quesadillas are a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. Tender, flavorful steak combines with gooey melted cheese and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled between crispy, golden tortillas. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or a fun weekend lunch, these quesadillas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors with every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound skirt steak, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste (I recommend kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onion work best)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend are great choices)
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size is ideal, but you can use larger ones and adjust the filling accordingly)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak: Begin by preparing the steak. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced skirt steak with vegetable oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the steak is evenly coated with the spice mixture. This step is crucial for infusing the steak with flavor. Gently massage the spices into the meat to ensure they adhere well.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 15 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to a few hours in the refrigerator. If marinating for longer periods, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the steak from drying out. The marinating process allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Step 3: Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the steak; this will help create a nice sear. Add the marinated steak to the hot skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; cook the steak in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Stir the steak occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside in a bowl. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Step 4: Cook the Onions: In the same skillet (there’s no need to clean it, as the steak drippings will add flavor to the onions), add the thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until caramelized and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. If the onions start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water or broth to deglaze the pan. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the savory steak and cheese perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Quesadillas: Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla. Add a layer of cooked steak and caramelized onions on top of the cheese. Sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on top to help bind the filling together. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 6: Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a clean skillet (or the same skillet, wiped clean) over medium heat. Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Gently press down on the quesadilla with a spatula to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese. Be careful not to burn the tortilla; adjust the heat as needed. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut each quesadilla into wedges. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or jalapeños. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious and cheesy Steak & Cheese Quesadillas!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Steak & Cheese Quesadillas are a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly flavorful. The combination of tender, seasoned steak, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible. The recipe is also quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table in under 40 minutes. Furthermore, these quesadillas are highly customizable. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences by using different types of cheese, adding additional vegetables, or experimenting with various seasonings. They are also a great way to use up leftover steak or vegetables. Finally, Steak & Cheese Quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, appetizer, or snack, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
COOKING Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These quesadillas are fantastic on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides and toppings to create a complete meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Toppings: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, hot sauce
- Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans, black bean salad, corn salad, a simple green salad
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality cut of steak, such as skirt steak or flank steak.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak; cook it in batches if necessary.
- Caramelizing the onions is key to adding sweetness and depth of flavor to the quesadillas. Be patient and cook them slowly over medium heat until they are soft and golden brown.
- Use a non-stick skillet or lightly grease the skillet with cooking spray to prevent the quesadillas from sticking.
- Press down on the quesadillas with a spatula while they are cooking to ensure even melting of the cheese and crisping of the tortilla.
- To keep the quesadillas warm while you are cooking the remaining ones, place them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C).
- Feel free to add other ingredients to customize the quesadillas. Some popular additions include bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Try different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Monterey Jack, cheddar, and a Mexican blend all work well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the steak marinade or use a spicier cheese, such as pepper jack.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
These Steak & Cheese Quesadillas are a delicious and versatile meal that is sure to become a family favorite. With tender steak, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, these quesadillas are packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. The recipe is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these quesadillas are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fiesta of flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different type of steak? A1: Yes, you can use other cuts of steak such as flank steak, sirloin, or even leftover cooked steak. Just make sure to dice it into small pieces for easy assembly.
Q2: Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time? A2: You can prepare the steak and caramelized onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Q3: Can I freeze these quesadillas? A3: While you can freeze them, the texture of the tortillas may change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Q4: What if I don’t have chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or onion powder? A4: You can use a pre-made taco seasoning mix as a substitute. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Q5: Can I grill these quesadillas instead of cooking them in a skillet? A5: Yes, grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just be sure to watch them carefully to prevent burning. Grill over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
