Loaded Steak Quesadillas

Loaded steak quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. These quesadillas are packed with flavorful beef, bell peppers, onions, and melted provolone cheese, making them a hearty and irresistible dish. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner, these loaded steak quesadillas are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (453 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 tsp seasoned salt (divided)
• 1 tsp Montreal steak spice
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 16 slices of provolone cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Beef:
   • Thinly slice the beef sirloin into strips and set aside.
2. Chop Vegetables:
   • Dice the bell pepper and finely chop the onion.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Beef

1. Season the Beef:
   • In a large bowl, combine the beef slices with 1 tsp of seasoned salt, 1 tsp of Montreal steak spice, and 1 tsp of cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the diced bell pepper and chopped onion. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tsp of seasoned salt. Cook the vegetables until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Prepare the Tortillas:
   • Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Place 4 slices of provolone cheese on one half of each tortilla.
2. Add the Fillings:
   • Evenly distribute the cooked beef and sautéed vegetables over the cheese slices on each tortilla. Top with the remaining slices of provolone cheese.
3. Fold the Tortillas:
   • Fold each tortilla in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape.

Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a Skillet:
   • Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with vegetable oil.
2. Cook the Quesadillas:
   • Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
3. Repeat:
   • Repeat the cooking process for all the quesadillas, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cut and Serve:
   • Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately.
2. Optional Garnishes:
   • Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any other desired toppings.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Thinly Slice the Beef: To make slicing the beef easier, you can partially freeze it for about 30 minutes before cutting.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: While provolone cheese provides a creamy and mild flavor, you can also use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.

Variations

Spicy Steak Quesadillas

• Add Jalapeños:
  • Add sliced jalapeños to the filling for an extra spicy kick.

BBQ Steak Quesadillas

• Use BBQ Sauce:
  • Replace the seasoned salt with BBQ seasoning and add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to the filling before cooking.

Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

• Add More Veggies:
  • Include additional vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a more veggie-packed quesadilla.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad

• Side Salad:
  • Serve the quesadillas with a fresh side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

With Mexican Rice and Beans

• Rice and Beans:
  • Pair the quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Dipping Sauces:
  • Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, you can substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for a delicious variation.

Q: Can I make these quesadillas in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the quesadillas? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked quesadillas. Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Loaded Steak Quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted provolone cheese, these quesadillas are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions!