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.
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) ribeye steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese (or mozzarella or American cheese)
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4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
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Optional: mayonnaise, hot sauce, or mustard for spreading inside
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak
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Freeze the steak for 30 minutes beforehand for easier slicing.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the steak into very thin strips.
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Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Cook the Vegetables
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
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Add the onions and bell peppers, sauté until they start to soften (about 5 minutes).
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Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Remove veggies from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Steak
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In the same pan, add the sliced steak and sear for 2–3 minutes, or until just cooked through.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 more minute.
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Return veggies to the pan, toss everything together. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Quesadillas
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On half of each tortilla, layer shredded cheese, then the beef-veggie mixture, then more cheese.
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Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
5. Cook the Quesadillas
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In a clean skillet or griddle, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat.
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Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
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Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve with:
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Sour cream or garlic aioli
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Hot sauce or sriracha
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Pickled jalapeños
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A side of fries or chips
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Simple green salad or coleslaw
Tips for Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas:
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Use high-quality steak like ribeye or sirloin — thin slicing is key!
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Don’t overcook the steak — it should stay juicy and tender.
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Preheat your pan well before cooking quesadillas to ensure a crispy crust.
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Use plenty of cheese for that classic gooey melt — provolone gives great flavor.
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Customize the fillings: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or switch cheese types.
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Use two spatulas when flipping the quesadilla to avoid tearing.
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Make it spicy with a sprinkle of chili flakes or chipotle mayo inside.
What to Serve With Philly Cheesesteak Quesadillas:
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Loaded Potato Wedges or French Fries
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Creamy Coleslaw
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Pickle Spears
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Crispy Onion Rings
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Southwest Corn Salad
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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):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540–620 kcal |
| Protein | 28–32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34–40 g |
| Fat | 28–32 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Sugar | 3–5 g |
| Sodium | 600–750 mg |
Note: Nutrition varies based on the type of cheese, meat cut, and cooking method used.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips:
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Prep Ahead: Cook the filling up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and assemble quesadillas when ready.
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Freeze: Wrap assembled (but uncooked) quesadillas in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
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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:
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Ribeye steak or sirloin
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Bell peppers (red and green)
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Yellow onion
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Garlic cloves
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Worcestershire sauce
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Provolone or mozzarella cheese
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Flour tortillas
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Olive oil and butter
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Salt, pepper, paprika
Optional: mayo, jalapeños, hot sauce, sour cream
Homemade Cheesesteak Seasoning Blend:
You can make a batch to keep for other recipes!
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1 tbsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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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:
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Use mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
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Reduce or skip onions and peppers.
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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.