Description
These Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite! Tender marinated steak, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all drizzled with a zesty chili lime sauce, are tucked inside crispy tortillas and melted cheese for the perfect quesadilla. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a fun taco-inspired dinner, these quesadillas are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chili Lime Steak Marinade:
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1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fajita Veggies:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, thinly sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Quesadillas:
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4 large flour tortillas
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2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your preference)
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2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Instructions
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1. Marinate the Steak:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Steak:
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Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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Remove the steak from the marinade and cook it for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (about 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
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Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
3. Sauté the Fajita Veggies:
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While the steak rests, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Quesadillas:
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Place a tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat.
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Sprinkle a small amount of cheese on one half of the tortilla, then layer with a few slices of the grilled steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and more cheese.
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Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
5. Cook the Quesadillas:
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Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, place the folded quesadilla into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
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Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
6. Serve:
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Once cooked, slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
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Notes
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You can substitute the steak for chicken, shrimp, or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
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For added freshness, garnish the quesadillas with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
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Feel free to add other toppings such as avocado slices, jalapeños, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 quesadilla wedges
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg