Loaded Steak Quesadillas are a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic quesadilla. This Loaded Steak Quesadillas Recipe features tender, juicy steak paired with melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, and a variety of toppings, all packed between crispy, golden tortillas. These quesadillas are the perfect meal for lunch or dinner, and they’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick weeknight meal, these loaded steak quesadillas are a satisfying and delicious option.
The combination of melted cheese, juicy steak, and flavorful veggies makes these quesadillas a crowd-pleaser, and they’re perfect served with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Steak Quesadillas Recipe
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with steak, cheese, and veggies, these quesadillas are a complete meal on their own.
- Quick & Easy: They come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings for a personal twist.
- Great for Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover steak, and it reheats well.
Key Ingredients for Loaded Steak Quesadillas
1. Steak
- Use flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin for tender, flavorful meat. The steak should be cooked to your preferred doneness before adding it to the quesadilla.
2. Cheese
- Use a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend. The cheese melts into the steak and veggies, creating a gooey, delicious filling.
3. Tortillas
- Large flour tortillas work best for quesadillas because they are sturdy and crisp up nicely when grilled.
4. Bell Peppers & Onions
- Sautéed bell peppers and onions add a sweet, savory flavor and a bit of crunch to the quesadilla. You can use any color of bell peppers.
5. Seasonings
- Season the steak with simple spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder for a flavorful base. You can also add cumin or paprika for extra flavor.
6. Toppings (Optional)
- Add toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro to take these quesadillas to the next level.
How to Make Loaded Steak Quesadillas
This loaded steak quesadillas recipe is easy to prepare and results in crispy, cheesy, and flavorful quesadillas. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Cook the Steak
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (or until your desired doneness). Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half of it with shredded cheese. Add a layer of sliced steak, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions, and another layer of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
Step 4: Grill the Quesadillas
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil and place the assembled quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Loaded Steak Quesadillas
1. Use Leftover Steak
- This recipe is perfect for using up leftover steak from a previous meal. Just reheat the steak slices in the skillet before adding them to the quesadilla.
2. Don’t Overfill the Quesadilla
- Be careful not to overstuff the quesadilla. Too much filling can make it difficult to flip and can cause the tortilla to tear.
3. Use Medium Heat
- Cooking the quesadilla over medium heat ensures the tortilla gets crispy without burning, while giving the cheese enough time to melt.
4. Let the Steak Rest
- After cooking the steak, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the steak juicy and prevents the juices from leaking out into the quesadilla.
5. Customize with Toppings
- Add your favorite toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
Recipe Variations
1. Chicken & Steak Quesadillas
- Combine cooked chicken and steak for a mixed protein quesadilla. It adds variety and extra heartiness to the dish.
2. Cheesy Jalapeño Quesadillas
- Add sliced jalapeños to the quesadilla filling for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture for extra heat.
3. BBQ Steak Quesadillas
- Toss the steak slices in your favorite BBQ sauce before adding them to the quesadilla. The tangy BBQ sauce pairs well with the melted cheese and veggies.
4. Vegetarian Quesadillas
- For a vegetarian version, skip the steak and load the quesadilla with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black beans.
FAQs: Loaded Steak Quesadillas
1. Can I Use Corn Tortillas?
- Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they are smaller and more fragile than flour tortillas. Be sure to handle them carefully, and you may need to use more tortillas to hold all the fillings.
2. What Should I Serve with Quesadillas?
- Quesadillas pair well with classic Mexican sides like rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, or a simple side salad.
3. Can I Freeze Quesadillas?
- Yes, you can assemble and freeze the quesadillas before cooking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen in a skillet until heated through and crispy.
4. How Do I Reheat Leftover Quesadillas?
- Reheat leftover quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy
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