Make Carne Asada Quesadillas with tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

A stack of carne asada quesadillas cut in triangles top with a dollop of guacamole.

Asada Quesadillas

Quesadillas are such a simple dish but a staple in my home. It’s my go-to meal when I don’t feel like cooking. When my kids were little I’d just throw quesadillas together without really thinking about it and it’s something I’ve been eating since I was a child as well.

You can use anything you have on hand. For this recipe I’m using leftover carne asada but you can also make cook meat specifically to make this carne asada quesadilla recipe. Feel free to swamp the meat with grilled chicken, spicy shrimp, or carnitas.

This recipe makes two quesadillas but can easily be doubled. If you’re making more than two quesadillas, preheat your oven to 250°F to keep the first quesadillas warm while you finish the others.

A stack of carne asada quesadillas cut in triangles top with a dollop of guacamole.

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Ingredients

This recipe uses leftover carne asada meat for a quick meal that’s ready in no time. All of the ingredients are customizable to fit your taste. Let’s talk about your options shall we?

  • The veggies: Onion and bell peppers are the main ones. However, you can use your favorite pepper such jalapeño, anaheim or even skip it altogether.
  • The tortilla: flour tortillas will make bigger quesadillas but corn tortillas are also an excellent choice (they’re gluten free if you’re trying to avoid it). Whole wheat tortillas are another great option.
  • The cheese: Use shredded cheese that melts easy. Oaxaca cheese, monterey jack cheese, mozzarella or cheddar cheese work perfect.
  • The meat: Leftover carne asada meat or just grill some following those instructions to make quesadillas. You can use flank steak (skirt steak) or your favorite lean cut of beef.

Toppings

The ingredients for this recipe on a blue background.

How to Make Carne Asada Quesadillas

This is a visual overview of the steps to make this recipe. See the detailed list of ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.

An iron skillet sauteing onions and red bell peppers.
  1. Heat up a medium cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and heat the vegetable oil. Then add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Add salt and black pepper according to taste.
An iron skillet with sauteed onions and red bell peppers.
  1. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Set aside when cooked.
A flour tortilla topped with cheese and sauteed veggies on a skillet.
  1. Heat a separate large skillet or comal over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla and layer the ingredients on half of it: start with shredded cheese, sauteed veggies.
A flour tortilla topped with cheese, sauteed veggies, chopped steak on a skillet.

Then meat. Make sure to spread everything evenly.

Two filled flour tortillas and folded in half placed on a skillet.
  1. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the steak mixture, pressing down gently. Repeat the process with the remaining tortilla, veggies, cheese, and asada mixture
Two crispy quesadillas on a skillet next to each other.
  1. Cook the tortilla for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is lightly browned and crispy.

Using a pizza cutter or a knife, slice the steak quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

A baking tray with a quesadilla cut into triangle shapes.

Making quesadillas in the air fryer

Making quesadillas in the air fryer is quick, easy, and gives you crispy results

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half a cup of cheese on one half of the tortilla.
  3. Add any optional fillings, then fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
  4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
  5. Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
  6. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown.
  7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

Personally I always serve them with refried beans since they add a bit of creaminess and more protein to the meal. Here are other options for you:

  1. Mexican Rice – This is a classic side dish that goes well with quesadillas. It’s flavorful and easy to make.
  2. Mexican mushrooms – they also work great as a filling.
  3. Sopa De Fideo or this Coditos Soup.
  4. Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa adds a bit of zing to the meal.
  5. Elote Asado
A hand dipping a slice of quesadilla into roasted salsa.


How to Store & Reheat

Storage

  • Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to make sure they are fully cooled down before placing them in the container to prevent condensation from forming and making them soggy. You can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
  • Freezer: They can also be frozen following the above method. They keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Microwave: This is probably the quickest and easiest method. Simply place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. The downside to this method is that the quesadilla may become a bit soggy.

Oven or air fryer: If you want your quesadilla to be a bit crispier, try reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the quesadilla on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Stovetop: If you have a bit more time, you can also reheat your quesadilla on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat, place the quesadilla in the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.

Quesadillas triangles in a glass storage container.

Are quesadillas American?

The origin of quesadillas is actually from Mexico, where they have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. While quesadillas are not technically an American food, they have definitely become a beloved part of American cuisine and are enjoyed by many people in the United States.

Are quesadillas healthy?

Well, that depends on how you make them and what ingredients you use! Quesadillas can be a tasty and relatively healthy meal option if you choose the right ingredients and prepare them in a healthy way.

Traditionally, quesadillas are made with tortillas and cheese and sometimes with a variety of fillings such as vegetables, beans, and meat. While cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, it’s also high in saturated fat and calories. So, if you’re watching your calorie or fat intake, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of cheese you use.

To make a healthier quesadilla, you could use whole grain tortillas instead of white flour tortillas. Whole grain tortillas are higher in fiber and nutrients, and lower in calories than their white flour counterparts. You could also use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether and load up on healthy fillings such as grilled chicken, black beans, bell peppers, and onions.

I don’t fry my quesadillas with oil since it’s not needed so avoid recipes that have extra oil. Overall, quesadillas can be a healthy and satisfying meal option if you use wholesome ingredients, control portion sizes, and prepare them in a healthy way.

A stack of carne asada quesadillas cut in triangles top with a dollop of guacamole.

I hope you like this recipe! Share it, or leave a rating and comment below. For questions that need an answer right away, please contact  me and I’ll get back to you asap. Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

Print Recipe:

A stack of carne asada quesadillas cut in triangles top with a dollop of guacamole.

Carne Asada Quesadillas (Steak Quesadillas) Recipe

Servings 2 Quesadillas
Ana Frias
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Make Carne Asada Quesadillas with tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies, they're packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. This recipe uses leftover carne asada meat for a quick meal that's ready in no time.
2 Quesadillas

Ingredients  

  • 1 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
  • salt and pepper according to taste.
  • 2 8 inch flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Oaxaca, Monterey Jack or mozzarella)
  • 2 cups chopped carne asada meat
Toppings
  • Salsa or guacamole

Instructions 

  • Heat up a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender (see tip #1). Add salt and pepper according to taste. Set aside when cooked.
  • Heat a separate large skillet or comal over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla and layer the ingredients on half of it: start with shredded cheese, sauteed veggies, then meat. Make sure to spread everything evenly.
  • Fold the other half of the tortilla over the steak mixture, pressing down gently.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining tortilla, veggies, cheese, and asada mixture.
  • Cook the tortilla for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is lightly browned and crispy.
  • Cut the steak quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

See notes for Air fryer instructions

    Muy Delish Notes:

    1. If the onions and peppers start to get burnt before they’re cooked through, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to help cook them all the way through. This helps in minimizing the amount of oil. 
    Air Fryer Method: 
      1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
      2. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half a cup of cheese on one half of the tortilla.
      3. Add any optional fillings, then fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
      4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
      5. Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
      6. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown.
      7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.
    Nutritional value is an estimate of ingredients. 

    Add Your Own Private Notes

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    Nutrition

    Serving: 1quesadilla | Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 7g

    The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.

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    Recipe Rating




    8 Comments

    1. 5 stars
      Delicious! My only question is why the recipe calls for onion and bell pepper to be diced and your photos show them as strips? Which is the way the recipe is intended to be? Probably doesn’t matter. Just curious!

      1. Hi Diane! I always call my diced veggies as strips? When they’re cubed I call them chopped. Perhaps it’s a language thing? But yeah, it really doesn’t matter lol! Enjoy!

    2. 5 stars
      This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Easy, delicious and hearty; definitely, a new family favorite recipe!

    3. 5 stars
      Such a tasty way to fill a quesadilla! Definitely adding this one to my dinner rotation very soon. 🙂

    4. 5 stars
      The steak quesadillas were absolutely delicious! My family couldn’t get enough of the tender steak and gooey cheese.

    5. 5 stars
      Love this recipe, is easy and delicious!!! my family loves the carne asada quesadilla is a must when we do carne asada. Thanks for sharing 🙂