Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Recipe

The Sizzling Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Recipe Everyone Loves

Philly cheesesteaks bring bold flavors that craft classic comfort food into an irresistible culinary experience.

Melding traditional sandwich ingredients with crispy tortilla layers creates a mouthwatering fusion of textures and tastes.

Street food meets gourmet inspiration in this crowd-pleasing dish that elevates familiar ingredients.

Tender strips of seasoned beef dance with caramelized onions and melted cheese inside golden-brown tortilla shells.

Vibrant spices and carefully selected components merge into a harmonious blend of savory goodness.

These quesadillas offer a delightful twist on two beloved cuisines, promising a satisfying meal that impresses and delights.

Rich, hearty, and incredibly simple to assemble, this recipe guarantees a memorable dining adventure.

Why Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Is Always a Hit

  • Flavor Fusion Delight: This recipe brilliantly combines the classic Philly cheesesteak with a Mexican quesadilla, creating an exciting cross-cultural taste explosion that brings together the best of two beloved cuisines in one mouthwatering dish.
  • Quick and Easy Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cooking skills required and using simple ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with tender beef, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables, this quesadilla works perfectly as a quick lunch, satisfying dinner, game day snack, or casual party appetizer that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Home cooks can easily swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings like sour cream or salsa, making this recipe a flexible favorite that adapts to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need for Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Night

Meats and Protein:
  • Beef: Lean, thinly sliced beef is the star of this Philly-style dish, providing rich, savory flavor.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the meat mixture.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Sweet and sharp onion brings classic Philly cheesesteak flavor and texture.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms add umami and meaty substance to the filling.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers contribute crunch and fresh vegetable sweetness.
Dairy and Bread Components:
  • Cheese Slices: Melty white or yellow cheese creates that signature gooey Philly cheesesteak texture.
  • Tortillas: Flour tortillas serve as the crispy, golden wrapper for the delicious filling.
  • Mayonnaise: Optional creamy spread that adds richness and moisture to the quesadilla.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and creates a crispy tortilla exterior.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Beef

  • Heat oil in a large skillet
  • Add chopped beef
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Cook until beef is fully cooked
  • Remove beef from skillet and set aside

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

  • Finely chop onions
  • Dice mushrooms and peppers
  • Cook vegetables in the same skillet
  • Sauté until tender
  • Add extra oil if needed

Step 3: Combine Beef and Vegetables

  • Return beef to skillet
  • Add minced garlic
  • Stir and reheat beef
  • Mix thoroughly with vegetables

Step 4: Assemble Quesadillas

  • Spread mayonnaise on tortillas (optional)
  • Divide beef and vegetable mixture on one side of each tortilla
  • Top with sliced cheese
  • Fold tortillas in half

Step 5: Cook Quesadillas

  • Heat skillet over medium heat
  • Add small amount of oil for crispier tortillas
  • Place quesadilla in hot pan
  • Cook until cheese melts
  • Flip once
  • Achieve golden and crisp exterior
  • Slice and serve immediately

Smart Tips for Crispy Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

  • Meat Mastery: Choose thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and easier cooking.
  • Veggie Prep Power: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the quesadilla.
  • Cheese Selection Secrets: Opt for classic provolone or white American cheese for traditional Philly cheesesteak taste and optimal melting.
  • Crispy Quesadilla Technique: Use medium-low heat and press gently with a spatula to achieve a perfectly golden, crisp exterior without burning.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking to enhance the depth and richness of the meat's flavor.

Storing and Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla the Right Way

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheating in Skillet: Warm quesadillas over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Drizzle a touch of oil to restore crispiness and prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Option: Place quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Check for even warming and enjoy immediately.

Delicious Add-Ons for Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

  • Craft a Zesty Beer Companion: Pair this hearty Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla with a crisp, hoppy IPA that cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and complements the cheesy goodness.
  • Elevate with Fresh Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add a bright, tangy contrast to the robust quesadilla.
  • Cool Down with Creamy Dip: Prepare a cool sour cream and chive dip that provides a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, crispy quesadilla, balancing out the intense flavors.
  • Match with Citrus Margarita: Shake up a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to cut through the richness and provide a zesty, refreshing drink that enhances the Mexican-Philly fusion.

Creative Takes on Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla

  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add jalapeños, swap provolone for pepper jack cheese, and include a chipotle mayo for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Replace beef with lamb, use feta cheese, add roasted red peppers, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Veggie Lover's Delight: Substitute beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms, add spinach, use Swiss cheese, and include a light herb-infused spread for a vegetarian alternative.
  • Breakfast Remix: Incorporate scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, swap to cheddar cheese, and serve with salsa for a morning-friendly quesadilla variation.
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Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Philly cheesesteak quesadilla merges Philadelphia’s iconic sandwich with Mexican-inspired flair. Melted provolone, tender shredded beef, and caramelized onions create a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies hearty cravings in one crispy, cheesy package you’ll devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 flour tortillas, medium/burrito-sized
  • 0.5 pounds (½ lb) beef, (ribeye or top round), thinly sliced or diced
  • 3 slices provolone cheese, (avoid aged cheese), sliced in half

Vegetables:

  • 0.5 medium onion, chopped
  • 0.5 red pepper, diced
  • 0.5 green pepper, diced
  • 6 ounces (6 oz) mushrooms, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (1 Tbsp) light olive oil, divided
  • 0.25 teaspoon (¼ tsp) sea salt, or to taste
  • 0.125 teaspoon (1/8 tsp) ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) mayonnaise, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large skillet and warm it with oil over medium-high heat, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
  2. Add chopped beef to the hot skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink.
  3. Transfer the cooked beef to a separate plate, covering to maintain warmth and prevent cooling.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions, diced mushrooms, and peppers, adding an extra touch of oil if the pan becomes dry. Cook until the vegetables turn tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet, introducing minced garlic. Gently stir and reheat the mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each tortilla, creating a flavorful base.
  7. Distribute the beef and vegetable mixture evenly on one half of each tortilla, leaving space around the edges.
  8. Layer sliced cheese over the filling, then carefully fold the tortilla to create a half-moon shape.
  9. Heat a clean skillet, lightly brushing with oil to enhance crispiness.
  10. Carefully place the filled quesadilla in the hot pan, cooking until the exterior turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely. Flip once to ensure even browning.
  11. Remove from heat, slice into wedges, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Opt for thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak for authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor and tender texture.
  • Pat meat dry before cooking to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Use provolone or white American cheese for classic Philly-style melting quality and rich taste.
  • Quick-cooking technique allows for crispy exterior and gooey cheese in less than 10 minutes total.
  • Customize with additional toppings like jalapeños or swap tortillas for different bread options for variety.
  • Let quesadillas rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 493
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 685 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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