Few dishes bring together sizzling flavors and melty indulgence quite like steak fajita quesadillas. With tender slices of perfectly seared steak, vibrant bell peppers, caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese folded into a golden tortilla, this recipe captures the bold spirit of Tex-Mex comfort food. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Mastering this recipe is about balance,smoky sear, fresh crunch, and that irresistible cheese pull.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack mix)
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp butter (for crisping tortillas)
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the steak
Marinate sliced steak with olive oil, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours refrigerated).
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté onions and peppers until tender with slight char marks, about 6–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Sear the steak
In the same skillet, sear the marinated steak strips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to medium. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble quesadillas
Lay a tortilla on a flat surface. Add a layer of cheese, followed by steak slices, fajita vegetables, and another sprinkle of cheese. Top with another tortilla or fold in half.
Step 5: Cook the quesadillas
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas for 2–3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Slice into wedges.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot with lime wedges, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness (avoid microwaving, as tortillas may turn soggy).
- Steak and vegetable filling can be made in advance and stored separately, then assembled fresh.
Suggestions
- For a smoky twist, grill the steak and vegetables instead of pan-searing.
- Swap flour tortillas for whole-wheat or corn tortillas for a healthier or gluten-free option.
- Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat.
- Make them party-friendly by cutting into smaller wedges and serving with assorted dips.
Seasonal Relevance
Steak fajita quesadillas are perfect year-round, but they shine in summer when fresh peppers and onions are in peak season. They’re also excellent for game-day spreads, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or cozy winter dinners when comfort food is calling.
Conclusion
Steak fajita quesadillas are more than just a Tex-Mex classic,they’re a marriage of bold flavors, textures, and comfort. Mastering this recipe gives you a versatile dish fit for casual dinners or festive gatherings. With each bite, you’ll taste tender steak, caramelized veggies, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crisp tortilla. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Steak Fajita Quesadillas Recipe
4
servings20
minutes20
minutes480
kcalSteak Fajita Quesadillas bring together tender seared steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese, all wrapped in golden tortillas. A Tex-Mex favorite that’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
6 large flour tortillas
1 tbsp butter, for crisping
Fresh lime wedges, for serving
Optional: cilantro, salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Directions
- Marinate steak with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Rest for 20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet and sauté peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred. Remove from pan.
- Sear steak in the same skillet until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
- On a tortilla, layer cheese, steak, vegetables, and more cheese. Top with another tortilla or fold in half.
- Melt butter in a skillet and cook quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Slice into wedges and serve with lime, salsa, or sour cream.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use leftover grilled steak for a faster version.
- Swap flour tortillas for whole wheat or corn for variation.
- Grill steak and vegetables outdoors for an extra smoky flavor.
