Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla: A Quick & Easy Dinner!

Few dishes combine hearty satisfaction and fast preparation like the Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla. This mouthwatering fusion brings together the best of two culinary worlds: the classic Philly cheesesteak with its juicy beef, sautéed peppers, onions, and gooey cheese — and the crispy, golden-brown crunch of a quesadilla. Whether you’re craving comfort food, need a satisfying weeknight meal, or want something that’s both indulgent and fast, this recipe will never disappoint.

In this article, we’ll walk through every step of preparing homemade Philly cheesesteak quesadillas — including ingredients, instructions, variations, helpful tips, serving ideas, preparation time, and nutritional details.

 Servings:

4 quesadillas (serves 4–6 people)

 Prep Time:

15 minutes

 Cook Time:

20 minutes

 Total Time:

35 minutes

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) ribeye steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella or American cheese)

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

• Optional: mayonnaise, hot sauce, or mustard for spreading inside

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak

• Freeze the steak for 30 minutes beforehand for easier slicing.

• Using a sharp knife, cut the steak into very thin strips.

• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Cook the Vegetables

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

• Add the onions and bell peppers, sauté until they start to soften (about 5 minutes).

• Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

• Remove veggies from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Steak

• In the same pan, add the sliced steak and sear for 2–3 minutes, or until just cooked through.

• Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 more minute.

• Return veggies to the pan, toss everything together. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Quesadillas

• On half of each tortilla, layer shredded cheese, then the beef-veggie mixture, then more cheese.

• Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.

5. Cook the Quesadillas

• In a clean skillet or griddle, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat.

• Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

• Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before slicing.

 Serving Suggestions:

Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve with:

• Sour cream or garlic aioli

• Hot sauce or sriracha

• Pickled jalapeños

• A side of fries or chips

• Simple green salad or coleslaw

 Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas:

1. Use high-quality steak like ribeye or sirloin — thin slicing is key!

2. Don’t overcook the steak — it should stay juicy and tender.

3. Preheat your pan well before cooking quesadillas to ensure a crispy crust.

4. Use plenty of cheese for that classic gooey melt — provolone gives great flavor.

5. Customize the fillings: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or switch cheese types.

6. Use two spatulas when flipping the quesadilla to avoid tearing.

7. Make it spicy with a sprinkle of chili flakes or chipotle mayo inside.

What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas:

• Loaded Potato Wedges or French Fries

• Creamy Coleslaw

• Pickle Spears

• Crispy Onion Rings

• Southwest Corn Salad

• Avocado Slices or Guacamole

 Variations:

1. Cheesesteak Quesadilla with Chicken

Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast. Season and cook the same way — a bit lighter but just as delicious.

2. Mushroom Cheesesteak Quesadilla (Vegetarian)

Use a mix of portobello and cremini mushrooms as a meat substitute. Sauté until tender with onions and garlic.

3. BBQ Cheesesteak Quesadilla

Add a splash of BBQ sauce to the beef mixture for a sweet and smoky twist.

4. Breakfast Cheesesteak Quesadilla

Scramble some eggs and add to the filling along with beef and cheese. Perfect for brunch!

 Nutrition Facts (per serving – 1 quesadilla):

Note: Nutrition varies based on the type of cheese, meat cut, and cooking method used.

 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips:

• Prep Ahead: Cook the filling up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and assemble quesadillas when ready.

• Freeze: Wrap assembled (but uncooked) quesadillas in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick & easy – Ready in 35 minutes
Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients
Crowd-pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults
Customizable – Beef, chicken, mushrooms, or spicy versions
Perfect for leftovers – Reheats wonderfully

 Fun Fact:

Did you know the original Philly cheesesteak was created in the 1930s in Philadelphia by hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri? He grilled some beef and popped it into a roll — and the rest is cheesy, delicious history!

 Shopping List:

Here’s what you’ll need from the store for this recipe:

• Ribeye steak or sirloin

• Bell peppers (red and green)

• Yellow onion

• Garlic cloves

• Worcestershire sauce

• Provolone or mozzarella cheese

• Flour tortillas

• Olive oil and butter

• Salt, pepper, paprika

Optional: mayo, jalapeños, hot sauce, sour cream

 Homemade Cheesesteak Seasoning Blend:

You can make a batch to keep for other recipes!

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp crushed chili flakes (optional)

Mix and store in a sealed jar.

 Air Fryer Option:

Want it even crispier with less oil? Cook the quesadillas in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

 Kid-Friendly Adaptations:

• Use mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.

• Reduce or skip onions and peppers.

• Cut into smaller wedges or triangles.

 Final Thoughts:

This Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla recipe is a delicious hybrid that offers the rich flavors of a classic steak sandwich with the melty, toasty magic of a quesadilla. Perfect for weeknights, weekend lunches, or entertaining guests — it’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional cheesesteaks or just want a hearty handheld meal, this recipe will absolutely satisfy your cravings.