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Steak Quesadillas

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Make dinner fast and fun with this cheesy steak quesadillas recipe. You only need a few ingredients and one skillet to cook. The beef comes out tender and juicy with crispy golden tortillas in every bite. Perfect for game day, lunch, or a quick weeknight meal.
This steak quesadilla recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the step-by-step photos and directions below. We also added pro tips and tricks to help you get it just right. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you never have to guess.

More Recipes ⭐ Cheesy Beef Quesadillas | Taco Pasta Salad | Spinach Artichoke Quesadillas
You can make this steak quesadilla recipe in under thirty minutes using one skillet and simple ingredients. The crispy tortillas and melted cheese make every bite warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
This recipe works great for dinner, game day, or a quick lunch everyone will love. The seasoned steak cooks fast and tastes just as good as takeout—maybe even better.
Ingredients

What you'll need to make this steak and cheese quesadilla recipe:
- 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning or Season All
- 1 teaspoon of thyme, dried
- 1 teaspoon of rosemary, dried
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 pound of top sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon of canola or olive oil
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 large flour tortillas
- 24 slices of provolone cheese
Pro Tip
Depending on your tastes, you could season this to your preference. If you like something a little more than Season All or Creole seasoning, use your favorite blend.
For a bit more spice, you could also add chili powder, dashes of hot sauce, or even taco seasoning to your spice mix. As long as you have the basics down, which is the steak mixed with veggies and cheese, it can be very flexible.
Pro Tip
Flour tortillas are far more pliable than corn tortillas, so make sure to use store-bought or homemade flour tortillas for this recipe.
Substitutions and Additions
Mix things up and make your steak quesadilla recipe your own with a few easy swaps and add-ins! These simple upgrades bring fresh flavor and fun to every bite. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Steak: Try using grilled chicken or ground beef if you don’t have steak on hand. Both cook fast and taste great.
- Add Jalapeños: Toss in sliced jalapeños for extra heat and crunch that pairs well with the melted cheese.
- Substitute Cheese: Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar to give your steak quesadillas a bold, creamy flavor.
- Add Onions: Sauté some onions with your steak for a little sweetness and added flavor.
- Substitute Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas, depending on what you have—both turn crispy and golden when cooked in the skillet.
How to Make a Steak Quesadilla
Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and helpful pictures to make this steak quesadilla recipe quick and easy. Check out the tips and tricks below to cook it just right every time. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Take half of the Creole seasoning, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper, put into a sealable bag, and mix together.
Add the steak strips and mix to coat them all over evenly.
Pro Tip
If this recipe becomes a family favorite, mix up a large batch of this spice mixture, store the blend in an airtight container for next time, and then use 5½ teaspoons of seasoning each time.

SECOND STEP: Add the canola oil to a large nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat.
THIRD STEP: Add the seasoned sirloin strips to the hot pan and cook for two to three minutes, continuously stirring using tongs.
Once browned, remove the steak pieces from the skillet and drain any liquid.

FOURTH STEP: Add the onion, bell pepper, and remaining seasoning, then cook until soft – about three to five minutes.
Once done, remove the sauteed onions and peppers from the skillet and use paper towels to wipe out the skillet (you can use it again for this next step).
Pro Tip
Using one tortilla and folding it in a half-moon rather than using two tortillas makes it much easier to flip.

FIFTH STEP: Place one of the tortillas in the pan and lay eight slices of cheese on top in a single layer evenly spaced to cover most of the tortilla.
Pro Tip
If you have a griddle that works well, you can use that instead of the large skillet. Anything that has an even heat will work.
SIXTH STEP: Place over medium-low heat and wait until you see the cheese starting to melt a little.
Pro Tip
Make sure not to have the heat too high (medium works best) as the quesadilla may burn on the outside and not cook enough on the inside.
SEVENTH STEP: Take ⅓ of the meat and ⅓ of the vegetables and spread over the top of the cheese. Continue to cook for another two minutes.

EIGHTH STEP: Fold the tortilla over onto itself to create a half-moon. Press down lightly to close together a little.
Depending on how much the outside of the tortilla is cooked, you can cook it a little longer – flipping to get the other side of the tortilla. It only needs to warm everything through evenly.

NINTH STEP: Remove from the heat and cut in half. Continue with the remaining tortillas.
One slice of these southwest steak quesadillas should be enough for most people.
How To Serve a Steak and Cheese Quesadilla
This quesadilla steak recipe works for so many occasions, seasons, and ages. You can dress it up or keep it simple!
- Serve for Game Day or Parties: These steak quesadillas make the perfect finger food for game day or a fun party spread. Slice them up and serve with cheese dip or creamy jalapeño ranch. Pair with taco pasta salad for a winning combo.
- Serve for Weeknight Dinners: Busy nights call for fast meals, and these quesadillas come together in just twenty-five minutes. The cheesy steak and crispy tortillas keep everyone full and happy. Add a side of red beans and rice or cheesy corn casserole to round it out.
- Serve for Kids or Family Meals: Kids love these cheesy quesadillas, especially when you slice them into triangles for easy eating. They're fun, tasty, and easy to customize. Serve them with corn fritters or creamy mac and cheese to keep it kid-approved.

Why You'll Love This Cheese Steak Quesadilla Recipe
This Philly cheesesteak quesadilla recipe keeps readers coming back for more. It’s quick, cheesy, satisfying, and always hits the spot—no fuss needed.
- Quick and Easy: You only need 3twenty-five minutes, one pan, and no fancy tools.
- Always Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves cheesy steak quesadillas, so there are never any leftovers.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Fast prep and fast cleanup make this a weeknight win.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters grab seconds when steak and cheese come wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
- Customizable: You can swap ingredients or add extras without messing up the recipe.
- One-Skillet Wonder: You don’t need to heat up the oven or use extra dishes.
This steak quesadilla recipe makes dinner simple, fun, and seriously satisfying!

Recipe FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions about making this easy steak quesadilla recipe:
What kind of steak should I use for steak quesadillas?
Use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin for steak quesadillas because both cook quickly and stay juicy in the skillet.
Do I need to marinate the steak for quesadillas?
No, you don’t need to marinate the steak for quesadillas. Just season it well with taco seasoning before cooking.
Can I cook the steak ahead of time for quesadillas?
Yes, you can cook the steak earlier in the day. Just slice it and reheat it in the skillet before building your quesadillas.
How do I get crispy tortillas in steak quesadillas?
To get crispy tortillas, heat your skillet first and press the quesadilla lightly with a spatula while it cooks.
What kind of cheese melts best in steak quesadillas?
Cheddar melts well in steak quesadillas, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack also give great flavor and stretch.
Should I cook the quesadilla open or folded?
Fold your tortilla in half with filling inside to keep things easy. It holds together better and cooks evenly in the pan.
Can I add veggies to steak quesadillas?
Yes, you can add cooked onions or peppers to your steak quesadillas for extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when the quesadilla is ready to flip?
Flip your steak quesadilla once the bottom turns golden brown and the cheese starts melting near the edge.
Why is my steak tough in the quesadilla?
Your steak may turn out tough if it cooks too long. Use high heat and cook just until it’s no longer pink.
What’s the best skillet for cooking steak quesadillas?
Use a cast iron or non-stick skillet to cook steak quesadillas evenly and give them that crispy golden finish.

Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve quesadillas for a group?
Slice each quesadilla into triangles, then stack them on a platter so guests can grab and snack easily.
Should I serve steak quesadillas hot or at room temperature?
Always serve quesadillas hot if possible. The cheese stays melted, and the tortillas stay crisp and fresh.
Can I cut steak quesadillas before serving?
Yes, cut them into quarters or smaller wedges right before serving to keep them crispy and easy to eat.
Are quesadillas good for lunchboxes or meal prep?
Steak quesadillas work great for packed lunches. Let them cool, slice them, then wrap for an easy grab-and-go option.
Should I serve any dips with quesadilla steak?
Yes, serve steak quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for extra flavor and fun.
Can I serve steak quesadillas as an appetizer?
Yes, serve smaller portions as appetizers at parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to keep your beef quesadilla fresh and ready to enjoy later. You’ll find the best ways to store, reheat, and prep this easy recipe without losing flavor or texture.
Can I make steak quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, cook the steak and prep the fillings early. Store them in airtight containers, then assemble and cook the quesadillas when ready.
What’s the best way to store leftover quesadillas?
Place leftover steak quesadillas in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge and use within five days for best taste.
Can I freeze steak quesadillas after cooking them?
Yes, freeze cooked quesadillas in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Use within three months.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen quesadillas?
Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts and tortillas turn crisp.
Can I reheat steak quesadillas in the microwave?
Yes, microwave in thirty-second bursts, flipping halfway through. The tortilla may soften, but it still tastes great when reheated quickly.
How should I reheat leftover steak quesadillas for the best texture?
Use a skillet or oven to reheat leftover quesadillas. This keeps the outside crispy while warming the steak and cheese evenly.

Steak Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (or Season All)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound top sirloin (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ½ red onion (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 large flour tortillas
- 24 slices provolone cheese
DIRECTIONS
- Take half of the creole seasoning, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper then put into a sealable bag. Mix together.
- Add the sirloin strips and mix to coat all over evenly.
- Add the canola oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned sirloin strips and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, continuously stirring using tongs.
- Once browned, remove the meat from the skillet and drain any liquid.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and remaining seasoning. Cook until soft, which will take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the skillet and use a paper towel to wipe out the skillet (you can use it again for this next step).
- Place one of the tortillas in the pan and lay 8 slices on top evenly spaced to cover most of the tortilla.
- Place over a low-medium heat and wait until you see the cheese starting to melt a little.
- Take ⅓ of the meat and ⅓ of the vegetables and spread over the top of the cheese. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, then fold the tortilla over onto itself to create a half-moon. Press down lightly to close together a little. Depending on how much the outside of the tortilla is cooked, you can cook it a little longer – flipping to get the other side. It only needs to warm everything through evenly.
- Remove from the heat and cut in half.
- Serve immediately with some of your preferred salsa, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and lettuce.
Notes
- Depending on your tastes, you could season this to your preference. If you like something a little more than Season All or Creole seasoning, use your favorite blend.
- For a bit more spice, you could also add chili powder, dashes of hot sauce, or even taco seasoning to your spice mix. As long as you have the basics down, which is the steak mixed with veggies and cheese, it can be very flexible.
- Flour tortillas are far more pliable than corn tortillas, so make sure to use store-bought or homemade flour tortillas for this recipe.
- If this recipe becomes a family favorite, mix up a large batch of this spice mixture, store the blend in an airtight container for next time, and then use 5½ teaspoons of seasoning each time.
- Using one tortilla and folding it in a half-moon rather than using two tortillas makes it much easier to flip.
- Using one tortilla and folding it in a half-moon rather than using two tortillas makes it much easier to flip.
- Make sure not to have the heat too high (medium works best) as the quesadilla may burn on the outside and not cook enough on the inside.








Comments
Pamela m Harrison says
yummy making this tonight
Pamela m Harrison says
yummy