Introduction:
Indulge in a mouthwatering fiesta of flavors with Loaded Steak Quesadillas—a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty appetizer. These quesadillas are packed with tender, seasoned steak, a medley of colorful bell peppers and onions, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, all sandwiched between crispy tortillas. Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with this recipe that’s bursting with savory goodness. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips to create your very own Loaded Steak Quesadillas.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Quesadillas:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Marinating and Cooking the Steak
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Quesadillas
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Assembling the Quesadillas
- Wipe the skillet clean and return it to medium-high heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla.
- Arrange a portion of the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables on top of the cheese.
- Add another layer of shredded cheese.
- Place a second tortilla on top to create a quesadilla “sandwich.”
Step 4: Cooking the Quesadillas
- Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Serving Loaded Steak Quesadillas
- Remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute.
- Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice each quesadilla into wedges.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Tips for Perfect Loaded Steak Quesadillas:
- Thinly slice the steak: For tender quesadillas, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain.
- Customize your fillings: Feel free to add extras like sliced jalapeños, black beans, or corn for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese matters: Use a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for that classic quesadilla gooeyness.
- Cooking time: Keep an eye on the quesadillas when cooking to avoid burning the tortillas.
Conclusion:
Loaded Steak Quesadillas are a celebration of bold and savory flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings. With tender, seasoned steak, colorful bell peppers and onions, and melty cheese all nestled between crispy tortillas, each bite is a delicious adventure. Whether you’re sharing these quesadillas with friends and family or enjoying them as a solo treat, they’re a surefire way to bring a burst of Tex-Mex flavor to your table.