Authentic Steak Quesadilla on Our Menu
What Is the Recipe for Steak Quesadilla?
🥩 STEAK QUESADILLA RECIPE: Season steak with salt, pepper, taco bell sauce and garlic powder. Cook until done, slice, then layer on tortillas with cheese. Grill until crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
Steak quesadillas are a simple yet flavorful dish made with tender steak, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas. They’re versatile and can be customized with various fillings like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Whether you prefer a classic steak and cheese combo or a fully loaded version with all the toppings, there’s a steak quesadilla to suit every taste.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes steak quesadillas so popular, explore if they can fit into a keto diet, and go over everything you need to make them home.
We’ve got you covered From ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips and serving ideas. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this guide will help you create a satisfying meal.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Steak Quesadilla?
- Is Steak Quesadilla Keto-Friendly?
- Ingredients to Prepare
- Ingredient Measurement
- Equipment You’ll Need
- How to Make Steak Quesadilla
- Steak Quesadilla Nutrition
- Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Steak Quesadilla
- Serving and Pairing Ideas
- How to Store Steak Quesadilla
- More Keto Recipes You Can Make at Home
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is Steak Quesadilla?
A steak quesadilla is a flavorful Mexican dish that combines seasoned steak with melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. The steak is typically cooked to perfection, either grilled or seared, and sliced into thin strips.
The cheese, often a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese mix, is spread over the steak before the tortilla is folded in half and cooked until golden brown.
While the basic version keeps things simple with just steak and cheese, you can easily add extras like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even guacamole to take it to the next level.
It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, offering a satisfying balance of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures in every bite.
Is Steak Quesadilla Keto-Friendly?
Steak quesadillas can definitely be keto-friendly, but it depends on the ingredients you use. Traditional quesadillas are made with flour tortillas, which are high in carbs and not ideal for a keto diet.
However, by swapping regular tortillas for low-carb or keto-friendly alternatives, such as almond flour or cauliflower tortillas, you can keep the dish within keto guidelines.
The steak itself is a great source of protein and fat, making it a perfect fit for keto. Additionally, the cheese and optional toppings like avocado or sour cream add healthy fats, which are key to the keto lifestyle.
So, with a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious steak quesadilla without breaking your carb limit. Just make sure to keep an eye on the tortilla choice, and you’ve got yourself a tasty, keto-approved meal!
Ingredients to Prepare
Crafting the perfect steak quesadilla starts with the right ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Low-Carb Tortillas: These tortillas are specifically crafted for those following a low-carb diet, making them a great option for a healthier quesadilla. Despite being low-carb, they retain the soft, flexible texture you need to fold and bite into your quesadilla without falling apart.
- Taco Bell Sauce: This sauce brings the signature taste of Taco Bell into your quesadilla, offering a savory and tangy flavor with just the right amount of heat. It’s not overpowering, but its combination of spices adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the steak and cheese.
- Steak: The star of the dish, steak offers a rich, hearty flavor that elevates the quesadilla to something special. When grilled or seared to perfection, the steak becomes juicy and tender, creating a satisfying contrast with the melted cheese and the crunch of the tortilla.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is known for its smooth melting properties and mild flavor, making it ideal for quesadillas. The shredded cheese form allows it to melt evenly, creating that delicious cheesy stretch with every bite. It complements the steak without overpowering it, balancing the flavors for a perfect bite.
Ingredient Measurement
While the exact measurements can vary depending on personal taste, here’s a general guideline:
- 4 pieces of low-carb tortillas
- 8 tablespoons of Taco Bell sauce
- 12 ounces of steak
- 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Equipment You’ll Need
To make steak quesadillas, you don’t need a fancy kitchen setup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large non-stick skillet
- Pan
- Paper towel
- Cutting board
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Cheese grater
How to Make Steak Quesadilla
Making a steak quesadilla is simpler than it sounds. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful, hearty meal in no time. It’s the perfect dish when you’re craving something satisfying and quick.
From sizzling steak to melted cheddar cheese, everything comes together effortlessly. Now, let’s dive into the easy steps to prepare a delicious easy steak quesadilla recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet and Ingredients
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil spray.
- Place a low-carb tortilla into the skillet. Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of cheese over half of the tortilla, then layer it with 3 ounces of thinly sliced steak.
- Add 2 tablespoons of your homemade Taco Bell sauce and top with another ¼ cup of cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Quesadilla
- Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to keep the filling in place. Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes lightly golden and crisp.
- After cooking, remove the quesadilla from the pan. If any melted cheese remains in the skillet, wipe it clean with a paper towel to prevent it from burning.
Step 3: Slice and Serve
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas.
- Once finished, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into portions.
- Serve with extra Taco Bell sauce, homemade guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for dipping.
Steak Quesadilla Nutrition
Steak quesadillas are a flavorful, protein-packed dish that offers a good balance of macronutrients. The steak provides a hearty dose of protein, while the cheese adds both flavor and healthy fats.
Depending on the ingredients, the dish can also provide fiber and essential vitamins, making it a filling and satisfying option for any meal. It’s a delicious choice with great nutritional value. Here’s a rough breakdown for a low-carb version:
- Calories: 57 kcal
- Total fat: 5 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
This makes it a hearty, filling meal that fits well into a keto diet when made with the right ingredients.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Steak Quesadilla
Discover key techniques for crafting a flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked steak quesadilla.
- Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. These cuts cook quickly and deliver a juicy, flavorful bite that complements the quesadilla.
- Season Generously: Use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of cumin or chili powder to taco seasoning the steak. This adds a depth of flavor that enhances the quesadilla.
- Cook Steak to Perfection: Sear the steak over high heat for a few minutes on each side, aiming for medium-rare to medium doneness. Overcooking can make the steak tough.
- Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak moist when sliced.
- Thinly Slice the Steak: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This ensures tenderness and makes the quesadilla easier to bite into.
- Use Quality Tortillas: Choose fresh, soft flour tortillas. They fold easily and hold up well when filled and grilled.
- Cheese Selection: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of spice.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Include sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also brighten the dish.
- Heat Evenly: Cook the quesadilla in a preheated pan over medium heat. This ensures the tortilla crisps up without burning while the cheese melts evenly.
- Use a Light Touch with Oil: Lightly oil the pan or use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking without making the quesadilla greasy.
- Press Gently: Use a spatula to press the quesadilla lightly as it cooks. This helps the cheese melt uniformly and the ingredients meld together.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your steak quesadilla with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. These add extra layers of flavor and creaminess.
- Customize to Taste: Personalize your quesadilla with additions like jalapeños, corn, or black beans to suit your flavor preferences.
Following these expert tips will help you craft a steak quesadilla that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with juicy steak, making every bite a delightful experience.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Steak quesadillas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing. Here are some ideas:
Serving Ideas
- Salsa and Guacamole: Pair your quesadilla with a side of fresh salsa for a spicy kick and creamy guacamole for a rich, satisfying contrast.
- Sour Cream and Lime Wedges: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy texture, while a squeeze of lime provides a zesty brightness that enhances the flavors.
- Mexican Rice and Beans: Add a side of flavorful Mexican rice and hearty refried beans to create a balanced, filling meal that complements the steak quesadilla perfectly.
- Salad: A crisp mixed greens salad or a tangy Mexican street corn salad offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the quesadilla.
- Pico de Gallo: Top your quesadilla with fresh pico de gallo, combining diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a vibrant, tangy burst of flavor.
- Chips and Queso: Serve with warm tortilla chips and a rich queso dip for an extra layer of cheesy goodness that pairs wonderfully with the quesadilla.
Pairing Ideas
- Margaritas: A classic margarita, with its blend of tequila, lime, and a hint of sweetness, offers a refreshing and zesty companion to the savory quesadilla.
- Mexican Beer: A chilled Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo provides a crisp, light taste that complements the rich, cheesy flavors of the quesadilla.
- Iced Tea: Sweet or unsweetened iced tea delivers a cool, refreshing contrast, helping to balance the savory and spicy elements of the quesadilla.
- Horchata: The creamy, cinnamon-infused flavor of horchata offers a sweet, soothing contrast, making it a delightful pairing with the savory quesadilla.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: Light and refreshing, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime helps cleanse the palate, allowing the bold flavors of the quesadilla to shine through.
- Sangria: A fruity sangria, with its mix of wine, citrus, and other fruits, provides a sweet, aromatic pairing that enhances the meal’s diverse flavors.
How to Store Steak Quesadilla
Storing leftover steak quesadillas is simple and helps keep them fresh for your next meal. First, let the quesadillas cool completely to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
Once cooled, wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
If you want to store them longer, quesadillas can be frozen. Wrap them tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven for the best texture, or use a microwave for a quicker option. This way, you can enjoy your leftover quesadillas anytime without compromising on taste or texture.
More Keto Recipes You Can Make at Home
Looking to expand your keto recipe repertoire? Try our cheesy steak quesadilla recipe for a satisfying meal, and explore even more quesadilla recipes for a variety of tasty options!
- Jicama Wraps: The Perfect Crunchy Alternative to Tortillas
- Low-Carb Tortillas: Unleash Flavor Without the Guilt!
- Keto Tortilla Chips: Spice up Your Life With Zesty Crunch!
- Low-Carb Tortilla Chips to Buy: Top Picks for Dieters
- Low Carb Corn Tortillas 101: Ingredients, Brands, and More
- Cauliflower Tortillas Quick and Easy Recipe You Can Do at Home
- The Perfect Keto Tacos: Tortilla, Meat, and Crunchy Veggies
- Cube Steak Recipe Inspiration for Home Cooks
- Easy Steak Tips Recipe: Juicy, Tender, and Packed with Flavor
- Perfect Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe for Juicy Results
- Easy Ribeye Steak Recipe: Delicious and Quick to Make
- The Best Pork Cube Steak Recipe Using Slow Cooker
- NY Strip Steak Recipe: Grill & Thrill Your Tastebuds!
- Black Pepper Angus Steak Recipe: A Symphony of Flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Steak Is Good for Quesadillas?
For quesadillas, tender cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye work best. These cuts are flavorful, cook quickly, and slice easily into thin strips. Marinating the steak can enhance the flavor, making it juicy and perfect for a quesadilla filling.
Should I Put Rice in My Quesadilla?
While rice can add texture and bulk to a quesadilla, it’s not a traditional ingredient, especially for steak quesadillas. If you’re aiming for a keto-friendly version, it’s best to skip the rice due to its high carb content. Instead, focus on low-carb fillings like cheese, steak, and veggies.
Should I Fry Quesadillas in Oil or Butter?
Both oil and butter work well for frying quesadillas, but each adds a different flavor. Butter gives a rich, savory taste and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Oil, on the other hand, provides a neutral flavor and can handle higher heat. Choose based on your preference for taste or texture!
Final Thoughts
Steak quesadillas are a delicious and versatile dish that can easily be customized to fit your taste. Whether you’re looking to keep it simple with just steak and cheese or add extra toppings, it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy.
By using keto-friendly tortillas, you can even make them work with a low-carb diet. With the tips and steps shared in this post, you’re ready to create your own perfect steak quesadilla at home.
If you’re craving more tasty recipes or need more keto-friendly ideas, be sure to check out our website for more delicious meals. Happy cooking!