Savory and Delicious Beef Quesadilla Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Beef steak, sliced thin
  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 8 large Flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 Onion, sliced
  • 1 Red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 Green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Pico de Gallo, for serving
  • Guacamole, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced beef to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
  5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir to combine with the vegetables and spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Lay out a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle a quarter of the cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add a quarter of the beef and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
  7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and beef and vegetable mixture.
  8. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Add a filled tortilla to the skillet and cook until the tortilla is browned and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  9. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and cut into wedges. Repeat with the remaining filled tortillas.
  10. Serve the quesadillas warm, with sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole on the side.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet will be needed to cook the beef and vegetables.
  • Tongs - Tongs will be useful for flipping the beef while cooking and assembling the quesadillas.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to slice the beef, onion, and bell peppers.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will provide a stable surface for cutting the ingredients.
  • Grater - A grater will be needed to shred the cheese.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for flipping the quesadillas while cooking.
  • Flat Surface - A flat surface, such as a countertop or cutting board, will be needed for assembling the quesadillas.
  • Clean Skillet - A clean skillet will be used to cook the assembled quesadillas.
  • Serving Plate - A serving plate will be needed to serve the finished quesadillas.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of beef for a chicken quesadilla.
  • Replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Include black beans or refried beans as an additional filling.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the vegetable filling for extra flavor and texture.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using extra vegetables or tofu as a substitute.
  • Try using different spices or seasonings, like paprika, oregano, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Add fresh cilantro or chopped green onions as a garnish.
  • Serve the quesadillas with salsa verde or a chipotle sauce for a different dipping option.

Recipe overview

This delicious Beef Quesadilla recipe is easy to make and packed full of flavor. It's a perfect meal for any night of the week, and also an excellent choice for gatherings with friends and family. The recipe involves cooking tender beef steak slices with onions, bell peppers and a blend of spices, then layering this with a combination of Mexican cheeses inside a flour tortilla. The filled tortillas are then lightly toasted until the cheese is wonderfully melty and gooey. Served with fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and sour cream, these quesadillas are a satisfying and flavorful treat. Enjoy the process of making these, and even more, enjoy eating this tasty dish!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian options like black beans or sautéed vegetables.
  2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Absolutely! Feel free to use corn tortillas if you prefer the taste or have dietary restrictions.
  3. Can I add additional toppings or ingredients? Of course! You can customize your quesadillas by adding ingredients like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even cooked bacon.
  4. How spicy is this recipe? The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you enjoy spicy food, you can add more chili powder or even a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce or omit the chili powder.
  5. Can I make these ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy quesadillas fresh, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture in advance and assemble the quesadillas just before cooking them.
  6. Can I freeze leftover quesadillas? Yes, you can freeze leftover quesadillas. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed for cooking the beef and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for slicing the beef and chopping the vegetables.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is essential for slicing the beef and vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be helpful for flipping the quesadillas while cooking.
  • Skillet or griddle - An additional skillet or griddle is needed for cooking the quesadillas.
  • Serving platter - A serving platter or plate is needed to present and serve the quesadillas.
  • Bowls - Bowls are necessary for serving sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole as accompaniments.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be useful for handling the hot quesadillas while cooking and serving.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater will be needed if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.

Origin stories

Quesadillas, a dish we now commonly associate with Mexican cuisine, are believed to have originated during the colonial period in Mexico. The name "quesadilla" translates to "little cheesy thing", which is a fitting description considering its primary ingredients. However, the traditional quesadilla was slightly different from what we typically enjoy today. Originally, it was prepared using a corn tortilla, not the flour variant often found in Americanized versions. Furthermore, the cheese used was typically a native Mexican cheese. Over time, as the dish traveled north, the recipes changed to accommodate available ingredients, leading to the inclusion of beef and a variety of vegetables as common fillings. This flexibility to adapt and evolve is one of the reasons why the quesadilla has become a beloved dish, not just in Mexico, but around the globe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.