Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas Recipe

Irresistible Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas You’ll Make Again

Crafting a mouthwatering Philly cheesesteak quesadilla promises an epic culinary adventure that blends Tex-Mex flair with classic Philadelphian comfort.

Melted cheese cascades between crispy tortillas, creating a handheld delight that screams indulgence.

Bold flavors dance with tender beef strips and caramelized onions, promising a seriously satisfying meal.

Comfort food meets cross-cultural creativity in this irresistible fusion dish.

Crisp edges give way to gooey, savory interiors that make you weak in the knees.

Sautéed peppers add a zesty punch that elevates every single bite.

Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas: The Cheesy Sandwich Upgrade

  • Speedy Weeknight Winner: This recipe transforms classic Philly cheesesteak into a quick, handheld quesadilla perfect for busy families, ready in just 20 minutes.
  • Quick Customization Magic: Easily swap ingredients like using chicken instead of steak or adding different cheese types to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home: Delivers rich, authentic Philly cheesesteak taste without complicated techniques, making gourmet-level cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines beloved Mexican and American cuisine elements, creating a fusion dish that appeals to both kids and adults at casual gatherings or game day parties.

Ingredients for Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas

Protein Base:
  • Steak (Frozen or Fresh): Tender meat that is the star of the Philly-style filling, best when sliced thin and cooked quickly.
  • Provolone Cheese: Rich and melty cheese that adds classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
Bread and Wrap:
  • Tortilla: Crispy carrier for the quesadilla filling, provides a perfect golden brown exterior when cooked.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and create a non-stick cooking surface.
  • Peppers, Onions: Provide sweet and savory notes, classic Philly cheesesteak vegetable companions.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to boost meat and vegetable flavors.
Sauce Component:
  • Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy condiment mix that adds tangy and rich undertones to the quesadilla.

How to Prepare Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas

Step 1: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Toss in sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking them until they become soft and slightly caramelized.

Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Savory Steak

Cook steak by either thawing frozen strips or slicing fresh meat into thin pieces.

Sear the meat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.

Season the steak with your favorite spices for extra zest.

Step 3: Create Creamy Spread

Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.

Spread the mixture evenly across the entire surface of a large tortilla.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Ingredients

Arrange the prepared ingredients strategically on one half of the tortilla:
  • Sautéed onions and peppers
  • Cooked steak strips
  • Provolone cheese

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape.

Return the quesadilla to the hot skillet.

Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board.

Slice into four triangular pieces.

Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Smart Tips For Cheesesteak Quesadillas

  • Cut steak against the grain into ultra-thin strips for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Let provolone melt completely by covering the quesadilla with a lid for 30-60 seconds during cooking to ensure gooey perfection.
  • Apply mayo-mustard mixture edge to edge for consistent flavor in every delicious bite.
  • Use medium-low heat to prevent burning tortillas while allowing cheese to melt smoothly.
  • Swap provolone with pepper jack for extra spice or use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas the Right Way

  • Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method helps restore crispy edges and melted cheese.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place quesadillas on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.
  • Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy tortillas and rubbery cheese texture.

Sides That Match Cheesesteak

  • Flavor Harmony: Complement the rich, meaty Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas with robust beverages and side dishes that enhance its savory profile.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the cheese's richness and match the steak's bold flavor, creating a perfect taste balance.
  • Zesty Side Kick: Pair with a crisp, tangy coleslaw or quick pickled jalapeños to provide a refreshing contrast to the quesadilla's hearty texture and add bright acidity.
  • Cool Dipping Delight: Serve with a cool, herbed ranch or chipotle sauce that echoes the mustard mayo spread, offering a creamy counterpoint to the warm, melted cheese and tender meat.

Cheesesteak Quesadilla Twist Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas. Use certified gluten-free steak and verify all ingredients are gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based steak strips. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan version and continue following original cooking technique.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or thin cheese wraps. Keep original seasoning and filling ingredients while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños into pepper mixture. Include pepper jack cheese and sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with sriracha mayo for additional kick.

FAQs

  • What are the main ingredients in Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas?

The main ingredients are tortillas, steak, provolone cheese, peppers, onions, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute provolone with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and quickly assemble the quesadillas when ready to eat.

  • How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add some sliced jalapeños to the filling or include a dash of hot sauce in the mayonnaise mixture for extra heat.

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Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Philly cheesesteak quesadillas merge classic American sandwich flavors with Mexican-style grilling magic. Melted provolone, tender beef, and caramelized peppers create a crispy, irresistible fusion perfect for satisfying hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) steak (sirloin, skirt, or flank recommended)

Vegetables:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) onions, thinly sliced

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 burrito-sized tortilla
  • 1 slice provolone cheese, sliced into thin strips
  • 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a cast iron skillet or large pan with olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for vegetables.
  2. Gently sauté sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Prepare the protein by slicing steak into thin, uniform strips. For frozen steak, follow package instructions; for fresh steak, cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even browning and thorough cooking.
  4. Create a zesty spread by whisking mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
  5. Lay out a tortilla and generously spread the mustard-mayo mixture across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Strategically arrange sautéed onions and peppers on one half of the tortilla, then layer cooked steak and provolone cheese on the opposite side.
  7. Carefully fold the tortilla in half, encasing the flavorful fillings, and return to the heated skillet.
  8. Cook each side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and slice into four triangular portions for easy serving.
  10. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the melted cheese to stretch and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Select a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of vegetables and steak.
  • Cut steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.
  • Experiment with different cheese options like Swiss or pepper jack to customize flavor profiles and add personal flair.
  • Use room temperature tortillas to prevent tearing and achieve a more uniform golden-brown exterior when grilling the quesadillas.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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