The Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

by

Introduction
The Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla is the ultimate fusion dish that combines the deliciousness of a classic Philly cheesesteak with the crispy, cheesy comfort of a quesadilla. With tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions, all wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla, this dish delivers the best of both worlds. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re hosting a game night or preparing a quick dinner, this Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla will become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin works best for tenderness and flavor)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 8 large flour tortillas (choose medium or large to hold the fillings)
  • 2 cups of shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese (these melt beautifully and add the perfect creamy texture)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (season generously for optimal flavor)
  • Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

  1. Slice the Steak: To ensure tenderness, slice the steak thinly against the grain. You want bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew. If you’re using a tougher cut like sirloin, be sure to slice very thinly for a more tender result.
  2. Slice the Vegetables: Cut the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. These veggies will add sweetness and a bit of crunch to your quesadilla, complementing the savory steak.
  3. Shred the Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese is key to achieving that smooth, gooey melt inside the quesadilla. Provolone is the classic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but mozzarella is a great option for extra creaminess. You can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or a combination for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Steak and Vegetables

  1. Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak to the pan and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the steak tender and juicy. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and the peppers are tender. This step adds sweetness to balance the savory steak. Once done, remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

  1. Prepare the Tortilla: Lay one flour tortilla on a flat surface. This is the base of your quesadilla, so choose a size that will hold all your fillings without spilling out.
  2. Layer the Cheese and Fillings: On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese. This will be the melty center of your quesadilla. Add a portion of the cooked steak, followed by a portion of the sautéed onions and bell peppers. You can adjust the quantities based on how cheesy or meaty you prefer your quesadilla.
  3. Fold the Tortilla: Carefully fold the tortilla in half, covering the fillings to form a half-moon shape. Make sure the tortilla is securely folded so the ingredients stay inside while cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas

  1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it hot enough to crisp the tortilla without burning it.
  2. Cook the Quesadilla: Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Then, carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it is golden and the cheese has melted thoroughly inside.
  3. Repeat: Continue this process for the remaining tortillas and fillings. You can use the same skillet to keep all the flavors consistent.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Slice the Quesadillas: Once all the quesadillas are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute so the cheese doesn’t spill out when sliced. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each quesadilla into wedges for easy serving.
  2. Add Toppings: Serve the quesadillas hot with your choice of optional toppings. Salsa adds a zesty kick, sour cream cools down the heat, and guacamole adds a creamy richness. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top for extra heat, or garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Tips for Making the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

  • For the Steak: If you’re using ribeye or sirloin, make sure the steak is thinly sliced for the best texture. You can freeze the steak for 20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut into thin strips.
  • Cheese: Provolone is the most authentic choice for Philly cheesesteaks, but mozzarella is a good alternative for a milder flavor. If you want extra flavor, try mixing both provolone and cheddar or adding a bit of pepper jack for spice.
  • Make It Spicy: For a spicy twist, add jalapeños to the sautéed veggies or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished quesadilla.
  • Grill for Extra Flavor: For a smoky, charred flavor, you can cook your quesadillas on a grill instead of a skillet. This works especially well if you’re making a large batch outdoors.
  • Customize the Fillings: While the classic Philly cheesesteak ingredients are a hit, feel free to get creative with additional fillings like mushrooms, spinach, or even bacon. The beauty of quesadillas is their versatility!

Conclusion

The Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla is the perfect comfort food—packed with savory steak, melty cheese, and sautéed vegetables, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, looking for a quick snack, or preparing a party platter, these quesadillas are sure to impress. With endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making this fun, fusion dish and delight in the combination of two classic favorites—Philly cheesesteaks and quesadillas!

Leave a Comment