Smoky and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Chipotle Beef Quesadilla Recipe offers a quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious solution for an easy dinner or lunch.
This recipe, originally shared on March 23, 2009, has been a long-standing favorite that recently underwent a much-needed visual update. Revisiting this Chipotle Beef Quesadilla recipe wasn’t just about capturing better photos; it was a delightful rediscovery of a dish I truly adore. The unique blend of smoky chipotle chile infuses the beef with an irresistible kick, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful, fuss-free lunch. It’s truly astonishing how a simple combination of ingredients can yield such a complex and satisfying taste experience, proving that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Do you ever find yourself struggling with freezer organization? I certainly do. My somewhat modest-sized freezer often feels like a bottomless pit where ingredients go to be forgotten, or at least, hibernate for extended periods. This perennial storage predicament usually arises just when I’m eager to embark on new culinary adventures, like making a fresh batch of homemade ice cream. With spring finally here (despite a surprising late snowfall outside!), my craving for cold, creamy treats intensified, only to be met by a freezer so crammed I couldn’t even fit my ice cream maker bowl inside!
Determined to make space, I recently undertook a major freezer overhaul. Every item was meticulously pulled out, mysteries were unveiled, and anything that looked suspiciously like a relic from a bygone era was promptly discarded. The remaining contents were then carefully cataloged, creating an inventory that now guides my meal planning. Since that grand reorganization, my mission has been clear: utilize every last item in there. This quest has not only helped me declutter but also pushed me to get creative with ingredients I might otherwise overlook.
Among the frozen treasures I uncovered was a solitary, unidentifiable steak. While I frequently freeze various cuts of meat, chicken, and pork, I confess I’m not the biggest proponent of simply grilling a steak straight from the freezer. For me, frozen steak often benefits from being transformed into something else entirely, rather than served as a standalone piece, which rarely lives up to the expectations set by a fresh cut. So, with this “mystery steak” in hand, I embarked on a culinary search for a recipe that would do it justice.
It was during this search that I stumbled upon a quesadilla recipe that originally called for pork chops. However, a lightbulb went off, and I immediately thought my thawed steak would be a perfect substitute. And I was absolutely right! This discovery proved to be a win-win situation. Not only did it allow me to use up a freezer item, but it also resulted in a dinner that was incredibly fast to prepare and overflowing with flavor. What’s more, this recipe is remarkably budget-friendly – the magazine where I found the original noted an average cost of just $8.76 for four generous servings. Each bite of these chipotle beef quesadillas brought me closer to my goal of making room for my ice cream maker, a delicious step towards a less cluttered freezer and more homemade treats!
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Beef Quesadilla Recipe
This Chipotle Beef Quesadilla isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and satisfaction. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the chipotle chile in adobo sauce. These smoked jalapeños bring a deep, smoky undertone and a gentle, warming heat that perfectly complements the savory beef. Paired with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, bright tomatoes, and earthy cumin, every bite is a complex symphony of Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Life is busy, and sometimes you need a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe shines in its simplicity. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a restaurant-quality quesadilla ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings.
- Budget-Friendly: In an era where grocery bills seem to constantly climb, finding a meal that is both satisfying and economical is a huge win. Using an affordable cut of steak or even leftover beef, combined with pantry staples, keeps the cost down without sacrificing taste or quality.
- Versatile & Customizable: While the recipe is fantastic as written, it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Add your favorite vegetables, switch up the cheese, or adjust the spice level to suit your palate. It’s a dish that can evolve with your preferences.
- Family Favorite: Quesadillas are universally loved. The combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and warm tortillas appeals to almost everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies. It’s a great way to introduce bolder flavors in a familiar format.
- Perfect for Using Leftovers: As my own story illustrates, this recipe is excellent for utilizing leftover cooked steak or other meats you might have in your fridge or freezer, minimizing food waste and maximizing flavor.
Understanding Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce
The secret to the distinctive smoky flavor in these quesadillas lies in the chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. But what exactly are they?
Chipotle chiles are simply smoked, dried jalapeño peppers. This smoking process gives them their signature deep, earthy, and smoky flavor profile, distinct from the fresh, bright heat of a raw jalapeño. When canned in adobo sauce, they are submerged in a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy purée made from tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, and spices. This sauce not only preserves the chiles but also enhances their flavor, creating a complex ingredient that adds incredible depth to any dish.
You can find chipotle chiles in adobo sauce in the international or Mexican foods aisle of most supermarkets. They usually come in small cans. For this recipe, you’ll need just one chile, finely chopped, which provides a moderate level of smoky spice. If you prefer more heat or a stronger smoky essence, you can certainly add another half or a full chile, adjusting to your taste. Remember, a little goes a long way with these flavorful peppers!
Tips for the Perfect Chipotle Beef Quesadilla
To ensure your Chipotle Beef Quesadillas turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Steak Selection: While the recipe is flexible for any steak, a cut like flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin works wonderfully for quesadillas. These cuts are flavorful and tender when cooked quickly and thinly sliced against the grain. If using a tougher cut, consider marinating it for an hour or two before cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Slicing the Steak: After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result. Always slice against the grain to break down the muscle fibers, making the beef easier to chew. Thin strips are ideal for quesadilla filling.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the steak and cooking the onions, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows the ingredients to sear and caramelize properly, developing deeper flavors. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Control the Heat: The chipotle chile in adobo sauce brings a kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half a chile and taste before adding more. You can also remove the seeds from the chipotle for a milder flavor.
- Tortilla Choice: Medium-sized flour tortillas are recommended for ease of handling and creating substantial quesadillas. Corn tortillas can also be used for a gluten-free option or a different texture, but they tend to be more fragile.
- Even Cheese Distribution: Ensure the cheese is evenly sprinkled over the steak mixture. This helps create a uniform melt and prevents dry spots in your quesadilla. Monterey Jack is a classic choice for its excellent melt, but a blend of Mexican cheeses or even cheddar can be used.
- Crispy Tortillas: Brushing the tortillas with olive oil before grilling is key to achieving that desirable golden-brown and slightly crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step!
- Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, keep the cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) while you finish the remaining batches.
Serving Suggestions
These Chipotle Beef Quesadillas are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when served with a few fresh accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of extra cilantro leaves is a must for brightness. Sliced avocado or a dollop of fresh guacamole adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Cooling Sides: Sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a cool contrast to the smoky spice. A simple salsa, pico de gallo, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also elevate the flavors.
- Classic Mexican Sides: Serve alongside a side of fluffy Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad for a more substantial meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing counterpoint.
Chipotle Beef Quesadilla Recipe
Smoky and full of flavor, this Chipotle Beef Quesadilla Recipe makes an easy dinner or lunch that is fast and easy.
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra leaves for garnish
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook until beautifully browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into thin strips.
- Return the same skillet to medium heat and add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), the chopped garlic, the finely chopped chipotle chile, and ground cumin. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Finally, fold in the sliced beef and the chopped cilantro, stirring to combine.
- Heat a grill pan or a large griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush one side of each flour tortilla with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Working in batches if necessary, place the oiled tortillas onto the hot grill pan, oiled side down, and cook until they are lightly browned and slightly puffed, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Arrange 4 of the grilled tortillas, grilled side down, on a baking sheet. Divide the savory steak mixture evenly among these tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the beef filling. Top with the remaining 4 tortillas, grilled side up.
- Bake the quesadillas in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the oven, cut each large quesadilla into wedges, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving hot.
Recipe Notes:
This recipe was adapted from Every Day with Rachael Ray, March 2009.
Keywords: chipotle beef quesadilla, beef quesadilla recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Mexican food
More Quesadilla Recipes to Explore
If you loved this Chipotle Beef Quesadilla, you might enjoy exploring other delicious quesadilla variations:
- Chicken Quesadilla with Refried Beans: A hearty and comforting classic.
- Shrimp Quesadillas with Chorizo: A delightful seafood and sausage combination.
- Roasted Veggie Quesadillas: A vibrant and healthy vegetarian option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quesadillas
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
You can certainly prepare the beef and chipotle filling a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and assemble the quesadillas as directed. Assembling and cooking the entire quesadilla just before serving is best to ensure crispy tortillas and perfectly melted cheese.
What kind of steak is best for quesadillas?
Versatile cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are excellent choices due to their flavor and texture when thinly sliced. If using a leaner cut, be careful not to overcook it. Ground beef can also be used for a different texture; simply brown and season it as you would the steak.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add an extra chipotle chile in adobo sauce, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you like fresh heat, finely diced jalapeños can be added with the onions.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Sautéed bell peppers (any color), corn, or black beans would make excellent additions to the beef mixture. Add them with the onions or tomatoes to ensure they cook through.
How do I store leftover quesadillas?
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, reheat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again, or in an oven or toaster oven.
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
A regular large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan will work perfectly well for browning the tortillas. The goal is to get them lightly golden and slightly crispy.
We hope you enjoy making and devouring these incredibly flavorful Chipotle Beef Quesadillas. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create truly memorable meals. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @tasteandtell and use the hashtag #tasteandtell when you make this recipe. We love seeing your creations!