Best Steak and Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown tortilla. It’s filled with juicy, tender steak and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This perfect mix of flavors takes you straight to a cozy Mexican cantina.
This steak and cheese quesadilla recipe is a true delight. It combines the richness of succulent beef, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the tang of our homemade Chipotle Lime Mayo. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover steak or craving a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a new household favorite.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
Get ready to fall in love with this flavorful quesadilla. It’s a mix of tender steak, melted cheese, and zesty Chipotle Lime Mayo. This combo makes every bite a delight.
Perfect Combination of Flavors
The secret to this recipe’s success is its balanced flavors. The seasoned steak, with cumin and chili powder, goes great with Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The Chipotle Lime Mayo adds a zesty kick that brings it all together.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It cooks in just 3-5 minutes per side. Plus, it uses pre-cooked steak, making it easy to use up leftovers.
Great Way to Use Leftover Steak
This recipe is great for using up leftover steak. Whether it’s skirt, flank, sirloin, or flap steak, it all works well. Just slice it thin, season, and layer it with cheese and mayo for a tasty meal.
“This recipe is a game-changer for using up leftover steak. The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious!”
This recipe is a hit for its flavors, quick prep, and use of leftovers. Get ready to enjoy a quesadilla that will make your taste buds happy!
Essential Ingredients for Steak and Cheese Quesadilla
To make a perfect steak and cheese quesadilla, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need whole skirt steak, a mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses, and large flour tortillas. Add fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and jalapeños for extra flavor.
Season the steak with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use vegetable oil to cook the quesadillas until they’re golden brown. For the Chipotle Lime Mayo, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, lime juice, and chipotle paste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Skirt Steak | 1 pound, diced into 1-inch pieces |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 1/2 cups, shredded |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Large Flour Tortillas | Burrito size |
| Fresh Cilantro | Roughly chopped |
| Red Onion | Diced |
| Jalapeños | Sliced or diced, for added heat |
| Sea Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vegetable Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mayonnaise | For the Chipotle Lime Mayo |
| Sour Cream | For the Chipotle Lime Mayo |
| Pickled Jalapeños and Brine | For the Chipotle Lime Mayo |
| Lime Juice | For the Chipotle Lime Mayo |
| Chipotle Paste | For the Chipotle Lime Mayo |
With these key quesadilla ingredients, steak quesadilla fillings, and a Mexican cheese blend, you’re ready to make a delicious steak and cheese quesadilla. It’s sure to impress everyone.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
Choosing the right steak is key to a great steak and cheese quesadilla. Skirt steak is the top pick for its bold flavor and softness. But, you can also try flank steak, sirloin, or flap steak for a delicious twist.
Skirt Steak vs. Other Cuts
Skirt steak is a thin, long cut from the cow’s plate section. It has a strong beefy taste and gets very tender when cooked right. Flank steak, sirloin, and flap steak are good alternatives, but skirt steak is the star for your quesadillas.
Proper Seasoning Techniques
Seasoning the steak brings out its best flavors. A mix of sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need. Let the seasoned steak chill in the fridge for 5 minutes before cooking to let the flavors blend.
Preparing the Steak
Cook the steak until it’s a bit overcooked, like medium-well. This makes it tender when you slice it for your quesadilla. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it against the grain for the softest bites.
The Perfect Cheese Blend Selection
Choosing the right cheese for quesadillas is key. You want a blend that melts well and brings out the steak’s flavors. Monterey Jack cheese is a top pick because it melts great and has a mild taste.
Adding sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese can enhance your blend. They add a sharp taste and a hint of heat. This balances the steak’s richness perfectly.
For a true Mexican taste, try a Mexican cheese blend. It often includes queso Oaxaca, asadero, and cotija. This mix adds a unique flavor and a gooey texture to your quesadillas.
Whether you pick a mix or go for one cheese, make sure it melts well. The right cheese blend will make your steak and cheese quesadilla a hit. Your family and friends will love it.
Making the Signature Chipotle Lime Mayo
Take your steak and cheese quesadillas to the next level with homemade chipotle lime mayo. This sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that complements the savory flavors. It brings a delightful heat to the dish.
Ingredient List for the Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño brine
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mixing Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chopped jalapeños. Add the jalapeño brine, lime juice, and chipotle paste. Whisk until smooth and the flavors are mixed well. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Storage Tips
The chipotle lime quesadilla sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for a week. This lets the flavors grow stronger, making it a great match for your quesadillas.
With this homemade chipotle sauce, your steak and cheese quesadillas will be unforgettable. It’s a game-changer for your meals.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making delicious steak quesadillas is easy with this recipe. First, grill the seasoned steak until it’s 120°F, about 3 minutes per side. Then, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
Next, heat a skillet or griddle to 400°F. Place a tortilla in the pan for a minute or two. This lets the cheese start to melt. Flip the tortilla and add the steak, cheese, and toppings on one half.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 1-2 minutes per side. This makes the cheese melt and the tortilla crispy.
- Do the same with the rest of the tortillas, steak, and toppings.
- Let the quesadillas rest for a minute or two before slicing and serving.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.99 out of 5 (124 votes) |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
This how to make quesadillas recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. The mix of tender cooking steak quesadillas and melted cheese is irresistible. It’s sure to become a favorite in your family.
Expert Tips for Perfect Quesadillas
Making delicious quesadillas is more than just mixing ingredients. To get the perfect steak and cheese quesadilla, focus on temperature, how you put it together, and what to avoid. These expert tips will help you make amazing quesadillas every time.
Temperature Control
It’s important to keep the heat at a medium-high level. This makes the tortillas golden and crispy, and the cheese melts well. Don’t make the heat too high, or the outside will burn and the inside won’t cook right.
Assembly Techniques
When you’re putting your quesadillas together, balance is key. Don’t fill them too much, or they won’t fold right and won’t cook evenly. Spread the fillings, like steak and cheese, evenly on the tortilla for the best taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much oil: This can make the tortillas greasy and affect their texture.
- Overcooking: Cooking the quesadillas too long can make them tough and burnt.
- Insufficient seasoning: Not seasoning the steak and fillings well can make the flavor weak.
Avoid these common mistakes and follow these tips to make perfect steak and cheese quesadillas. Your family and friends will love them and ask for more.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Make your steak and cheese quesadilla even better with tasty quesadilla sides, Mexican appetizers, and quesadilla toppings. These dishes add flavor and make your meal complete.
Try pairing your quesadillas with fresh salsa, tangy guacamole, or pico de gallo. These Mexican appetizers bring a nice contrast to the cheese.
For a fuller meal, add Mexican rice, refried beans, or a corn and black bean salad. Or, if you prefer something lighter, tortilla chips or a green salad are great choices.
Finish your quesadillas with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado. It adds freshness and flavor.
| Side Dish | Accompaniment |
|---|---|
| Fresh Salsa | Classic Mexican appetizer |
| Guacamole | Creamy and flavorful topping |
| Pico de Gallo | Vibrant Tex-Mex salsa |
| Mexican Rice | Savory and fragrant side dish |
| Refried Beans | Protein-packed accompaniment |
| Corn and Black Bean Salad | Fresh and colorful side |
| Tortilla Chips | Crispy vehicle for dips |
| Green Salad | Light and refreshing option |
Adding these quesadilla sides, Mexican appetizers, and quesadilla toppings will make your meal unforgettable.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Learn how to store and reheat your steak and cheese quesadillas for the best taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. This keeps the tortilla crispy.
Or, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This method works well too.
For longer storage, wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap and freeze. They can stay frozen for 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating. This keeps your quesadillas fresh and tasty for a quick meal.
Follow these tips to enjoy your steak and cheese quesadillas for days. This convenient dish stays delicious and high-quality.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this steak and cheese quesadilla recipe?
You’ll need whole skirt steak, Monterey Jack cheese, and large flour tortillas. Don’t forget fresh cilantro, chopped red onions, and jalapeños. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and vegetable oil are also important for seasoning and cooking.
Why is this steak and cheese quesadilla recipe a crowd-pleaser?
It’s a hit because of the tender steak, melted cheese, and zesty Chipotle Lime Mayo. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover steak.
What type of steak is best for this recipe?
Skirt steak is top choice for its taste and tenderness. But, you can also use flank steak, sirloin, or flap steak as alternatives.
How do I properly season and prepare the steak?
Season the steak with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it rest in the fridge for 5 minutes before cooking. When slicing, cut against the grain for tender bites.
What cheese blend works best for the quesadillas?
Monterey Jack cheese melts well and tastes mild. You can mix in sharp cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor. Queso Oaxaca or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.
How do I make the signature Chipotle Lime Mayo sauce?
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, lime juice, and chipotle paste in a bowl. Stir until smooth. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
What is the proper way to assemble and cook the quesadillas?
Heat a skillet or griddle to 400°F. Add cheese to melt, then place a tortilla on top. Flip and add more cheese, steak, and toppings to one half. Fold the tortilla and cook until crispy and cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes per side.
How should I store and reheat leftover quesadillas?
Keep leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Or, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, wrap quesadillas in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
