Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas combine the best of two beloved dishes: the savory, cheesy flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and the crisp, satisfying texture of a quesadilla. This fusion dish is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a game-day snack. With tender steak, sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese sandwiched between crispy tortillas, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and incredibly tasty.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making the perfect Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas, with tips for customizing and elevating this dish to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can use any type of cheese or add extra ingredients like mushrooms or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover steak or veggies? This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose them into something new and delicious.
Ingredients for Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
- Thinly Sliced Steak: 1 lb (ribeye or flank steak works best)
- Tortillas: 4 large flour tortillas
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (or a mix of both)
- Bell Peppers: 1 large, sliced thinly (any color)
- Onion: 1 large, sliced thinly
- Olive Oil or Butter: For cooking the steak and vegetables
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Optional Additions: Mushrooms, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor
Ingredient Notes
- Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak is traditional for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also use leftover steak or roast beef.
- Cheese: Provolone cheese is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or even American cheese for that creamy texture.
- Tortillas: Large flour tortillas work best as they hold the filling nicely and get crispy when grilled.
How to Make Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Slice the Steak: If your steak isn’t pre-sliced, thinly slice it against the grain. This ensures the meat is tender when cooked.
- Season the Steak: Sprinkle the steak with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Onions and Peppers: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. If you’re adding mushrooms, you can sauté them at this stage as well.
- Set Aside: Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
- Sear the Steak: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter and cook the steak slices over medium-high heat. Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through but still tender.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables: Once the steak is cooked, return the sautéed onions and peppers to the pan and toss them together with the steak. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas
- Heat the Tortillas: In a separate skillet or griddle, heat a tortilla over medium heat. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.
- Add the Steak and Vegetables: Layer a generous portion of the steak and vegetable mixture over the cheese. Top with another 1/2 cup of cheese, and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook the Quesadilla: Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Serve
Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot. Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of salsa, sour cream, or even hot sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
- Use Thinly Sliced Steak: Thin slices of steak cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for quesadillas.
- Don’t Overfill the Quesadillas: Overfilling can make it difficult to flip the quesadillas without the filling spilling out. Keep it balanced with just the right amount of filling and cheese.
- Press While Cooking: Use a spatula to gently press the quesadilla down while cooking to ensure even browning and melting.
- Experiment with Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella are great for a classic taste, but don’t be afraid to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
Variations of Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
Spicy Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the steak mixture for a spicy kick. Pepper jack cheese is another great option if you like your quesadillas on the spicier side.
Mushroom Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an extra layer of earthy flavor. Mushrooms work especially well with provolone cheese.
Cheddar Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas
For a sharper flavor, try using cheddar cheese instead of provolone or mozzarella. This variation is especially delicious if you like your quesadillas with a bit more bite.
Serving Suggestions
Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas are filling on their own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the quesadillas.
- French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Serve with a side of crispy fries for a diner-style meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole make great dipping sauces for quesadillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover steak works great in this recipe. Just slice it thinly and warm it up with the sautéed vegetables.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the steak with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and even tofu for a delicious vegetarian quesadilla.
What’s the best type of tortilla to use?
Flour tortillas are the best option for quesadillas, as they crisp up nicely and hold the filling well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas?
Yes! You can freeze the quesadillas by wrapping them individually in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and heat in a skillet or oven.
Conclusion
Philly Cheese Steak Quesadillas are the ultimate fusion of two beloved dishes—combining the rich, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a snack for game day. With customizable fillings and a wide range of cheese options, this recipe can be tailored to your taste.
If you’ve tried this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tips, variations, or any fun additions you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—it’s too good not to!