Steak Quesadilla Recipe | Mexican Recipes, Easier Than You Think (2024)

This Steak quesadilla Recipe is mouthwatering and filling meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The combination of tender steak, melted cheese, and warm tortillas is irresistible. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group of friends, steak quesadillas are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, they're incredibly quick and easy to make.

Steak Quesadilla

Once upon a time, I had the chance to live in Monterrey, N.L., one of the largest metropolitan areas in Mexico. The area is well known for its meat dishes, like the famous cabrito (roast goat), street tacos, carne asada, menudo, beef tamales and steak quesadillas (my son’s favorite). While living there, we used to go to a "taqueria" (taco restaurant) where they also offered this steak quesadilla on their menu called a “quesadilla mixta”.

My son always asked to order one extra "quesadilla mixta" to go. That way, he could have one during lunch recess at school the next day. My son’s memories of his childhood are the inspiration behind this recipe. The cooking technique used here is different from the one used in the taquerias, where the steak is grilled first with large slices of onion and then chopped finely. In my recipe, I chop the onions and steak to cook everything faster, but the results are the same: a gooey and tasty quesadilla just like we used to have back in Monterrey.

Monterrey, Nuevo León, México., at the foothill of the Sierra Madre Oriental. The "Sadle Chair" Mountain in the background.
(Photo Courtesy of: Wikipedia.org)

Frequently Asked Questions About Steak Quesadillas.

Before I share my recipe, I will answer the questions I usually get about this easy and homemade recipe.

What is the best meat for a steak quesadilla?

When it comes to selecting the best meat for a steak quesadilla, there are a few options that work exceptionally well. Skirt steak is a classic choice for steak quesadillas. Skirt steak cooks quickly and can be easily sliced into thin strips, making it perfect for a quesadilla. Flank steak is another excellent option. It has a robust flavor and a slightly firmer texture than skirt steak. Other options are Ribeye steak, regarded for its marbling and intense flavor, and Sirloin steak, a versatile choice for steak quesadillas.

When you are ready to cut your steak strips, slice the cooked steak thinly against the grain; this will give you a more tender and enjoyable steak.

What is a good melting cheese for a quesadilla?

There are several excellent options for the perfect melting cheese for a quesadilla. The typical Mexican quesadilla is made with Oaxaca cheese (also known as quesillo). Oaxaca cheese has a deliciously creamy texture that melts easily, making it perfect for quesadillas, enchiladas, and other dishes that require a gooey, melting cheese.

Another option is Monterey jack cheese, a classic choice for quesadillas, Cheddar cheese is also a good choice as it can add a sharp and tangy flavor. Try Pepper Jack cheese If you enjoy a little heat. The key is to choose a cheese that melts easily and complements the other ingredients in your quesadilla.

How to store your steak quesadilla

To store and reheat a steak quesadilla, follow these simple steps:

If you have leftover steak quesadillas, allow them to cool down to room temperature. Wrap each quesadilla individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag and store them in the fridge. Quesadillas can typically be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating in the oven: Remove the wrap from your quesadilla on a baking sheet. If desired, lightly brush the top with a little oil or melted butter for added crispness. Bake for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). To reheat in your stove, place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side, flipping once, until the cheese is melted and the quesadilla is heated through.

Even though I will not recommend reheating your quesadilla in your microwave, you can still warm it up. Just place your quesadilla for about 30-60 seconds. It's important to avoid over-microwaving, as it can cause the quesadilla to become tough and chewy.

How to make Steak Quesadilla

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

Here's a simple recipe for preparing your Quesadilla:

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• White or red onion finely chopped
• Fajita sirloin or rib-eye steak
• Salt and black pepper to season the steak
• Flour tortillas (corn tortillas work well too)
• Oaxaca Cheese

Optional garnishes:

• Avocado cut into slices or guacamole optional
• Pico de gallo salsa
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeño pepper
• Mexican Crema (Sour cream)
• Your favorite salsa or hot sauce

Directions for Steak Quesadilla Recipe:

(Please check the ingredients list below)

• Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, and add the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes.

• Season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chopped meat to the skillet and cook until browned about 6 minutes…

• Now, make the quesadillas by placing one tortilla on a preheated grilled or comal. Top the tortilla with ¼ of the cooked meat and then with ¼ of the Oaxaca Cheese that has been separated into strings. (If you are using shredded cheese, just addabout ¼ of the 8oz cheese package)

• Top with another tortilla on top and press it gently to seal the tortillas.
• Cook the quesadilla on medium heat. Cook the quesadilla for 2 or 3 minutes and turn to cook the other side. When ready, the tortilla will be crispy with brown spots, and the cheese will have melted. Repeat this process with the rest of the quesadillas.

• To serve, place your beef quesadilla on a cutting board, and cut it in half or in four pieces using a sharp knife.

¡Buen provecho!

Mely,

Cinco de Mayo parties aren't complete without quesadillas as appetizers or entrees.

¡Buen provecho!

Mely,

What to Serve with Beef Quesadillas?

Beef quesadillas can be complemented with a variety of delicious sides and accompaniments. The classic choice is guacamole, which adds a creamy and refreshing element to your beef quesadillas. If you're looking for a true Mexican experience, try Mexican crema (sour cream), pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and a few drops of lime juice. For a more satisfying meal, you can also enjoy beef quesadillas with refried black beans and your favorite salsa.

More Authentic Mexican Recipes:

If you enjoyed this recipe for Steak quesadilla and looking for other quesadilla recipes, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

• Cinco de Mayo Recipes
• Shredded Beef Quesadilla
• Tripe Quesadilla
• Restaurant Style Red Fried Salsa
• Pork Spare Ribs in Salsa Verde

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