Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Steak & Cheese Quesadillas make for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or even a game-day snack. Thinly sliced, spiced flank steak is paired with sautéed bell peppers and onions, then folded into crisp, golden tortillas with melted Monterey Jack cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of tender steak, gooey cheese, and lightly caramelized vegetables tucked into warm tortillas offers both comfort and bold flavor. Plus, it pairs beautifully with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for added flair.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 large flour tortillas
Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)

directions

In a medium bowl, combine flank steak with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook for 3–5 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add bell peppers and onion, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
Preheat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place one flour tortilla on the skillet. On one half, layer steak, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
Cook the quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with remaining tortillas and ingredients.
Slice into wedges and serve hot with sour cream and salsa, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 large quesadillas, serving approximately 4 people. Total prep and cook time is around 30–35 minutes, making it ideal for a quick and hearty meal.

Variations

Cheese Options: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor or melt.
Protein Swap: Use chicken, shrimp, or a plant-based alternative instead of steak.
Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add mushrooms or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Low-Carb: Use low-carb or whole wheat tortillas for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side to restore crispness. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin or skirt steak also work well in this recipe.

What cheese melts best in quesadillas?

Monterey Jack, cheddar, and mozzarella are all excellent melting cheeses for quesadillas.

How do I prevent the quesadillas from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain excess moisture from the cooked steak and vegetables before assembling.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes, bake assembled quesadillas at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before cooking. Freshly cooked quesadillas taste best.

What’s the best way to cut quesadillas?

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into wedges.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, assemble the quesadillas, wrap them in foil, and freeze. Reheat from frozen in the oven or skillet.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn are great additions.

What’s a good dipping sauce?

Besides sour cream and salsa, queso dip, guacamole, or chipotle mayo are tasty options.

How can I make them crispier?

Brush the outside of the tortilla with a little oil or butter before cooking to enhance crispness.

Conclusion

Steak & Cheese Quesadillas are a deliciously satisfying meal that comes together quickly and delivers bold, crowd-pleasing flavors. With tender spiced steak, melty cheese, and caramelized vegetables folded into crispy tortillas, these quesadillas offer the perfect balance of taste and texture. Versatile and easy to customize, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.