If you are looking for a quick, satisfying meal that packs bold flavors, steak & cheese quesadillas are a perfect choice. This dish combines tender, seasoned steak with melted cheese and grilled onions, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these quesadillas are simple to prepare and delicious to eat.

ingredients

For the steak:

1 pound skirt steak, diced into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the quesadillas:

4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
Cooking spray or additional oil for grilling

directions

In a bowl, toss the diced steak with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove steak and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until caramelized and soft, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium.

Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tortilla.
Add half of the cooked steak and grilled onions on top of the cheese. Sprinkle a little more cheese over the filling and cover with another tortilla.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden and cheese is melted.

Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

serving and storage tips

Serve steak & cheese quesadillas hot with your favorite sides such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad to add brightness and balance. For added flavor, consider topping with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime.

If you have leftovers, allow the quesadillas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.

For longer storage, cooked quesadillas can be frozen. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or skillet until heated through and crispy.

variations

Spicy Steak & Cheese Quesadillas
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the steak seasoning for a spicy kick. You can also include spicy pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for extra heat. Serve with a cooling sour cream dip to balance the spice.
Vegetable Loaded Quesadillas
Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the grilled onions for a veggie boost. This variation adds color, nutrients, and texture, making the quesadillas more wholesome and flavorful.

Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas
Substitute the skirt steak with diced or shredded grilled chicken breast seasoned similarly. This is a lighter alternative but still delivers great taste and satisfying protein.
BBQ Steak Quesadillas
Mix cooked steak with your favorite barbecue sauce before assembling. The smoky, sweet flavor of BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with melted cheese and grilled onions for a unique twist.
Low-Carb Quesadillas
Use low-carb or whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas. You can also try making quesadillas with large portobello mushroom caps or low-carb wraps to reduce carbs further.

Cheese Variations
Swap cheddar and Monterey Jack for mozzarella, gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize the flavor profile. Using a mix of cheeses can enhance meltiness and richness.
Breakfast Quesadillas
Add scrambled eggs to the filling along with steak and cheese for a hearty breakfast or brunch option. Top with salsa or avocado slices to complete the meal.
Vegan Steak & Cheese Quesadillas
Use plant-based steak alternatives and vegan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly. Sautéed onions and mushrooms add depth of flavor, and tortillas remain the same.

Southwestern Quesadillas
Add corn kernels, black beans, and chopped cilantro to the filling with the steak and cheese. Season with cumin and smoked paprika for a Southwest-inspired flavor.
Buffalo Steak Quesadillas
Toss cooked steak pieces in buffalo sauce and mix with blue cheese crumbles and shredded mozzarella for a spicy, tangy variation. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook and store the steak and onions ahead of time. Assemble and cook quesadillas just before serving for best results.
Steak & cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal that brings together juicy, seasoned steak, savory grilled onions, and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Perfect for quick dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe is versatile and customizable to your taste. Give it a try for a crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints.

What cut of steak is best for steak & cheese quesadillas?
Skirt steak or flank steak are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover steak for this recipe?
Yes, leftover steak works great and saves time. Just reheat and slice before assembling.

How do I prevent quesadillas from getting soggy?
Cook them on medium heat slowly to allow cheese to melt and tortillas to crisp without burning. Avoid overfilling.

Can I make quesadillas gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas available at most grocery stores instead of regular flour tortillas.

How do I store leftover quesadillas?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep crispiness.

Can I freeze steak & cheese quesadillas?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven or skillet.

What cheese works best in quesadillas?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts well and provides a balanced flavor.

How can I add more veggies to the quesadillas?
Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with onions and add to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.

Are steak & cheese quesadillas spicy?
The basic recipe is mild, but you can add jalapeños or spicy seasonings to increase heat.

Steak & cheese quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal that brings together juicy, seasoned steak, savory grilled onions, and melted cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Perfect for quick dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe is versatile and customizable to your taste. Give it a try for a crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints.