Taco Bell Steak Quesadilla Copycat
Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Taco Bell's Steak Quesadilla in the comfort of your home with this easy-to-follow recipe featuring tender steak and a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy mayonnaise perfect for enhancing the flavor profile
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, minced for a delightful kick
- 1 tbsp pickle juice adds tangy depth
- 1/4 cup buttermilk rich and smooth for creaminess
- 1/2 tsp chili powder offering a hint of warmth
- 1/2 tsp paprika contributing a smoky undertone
- 1/2 tsp onion powder aromatic and savory
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder for that unmistakable flavor
- 1/4 tsp cocoa powder (processed with alkali) adding a subtle depth
- 1 tsp minced onion for a fresh crunch
- to taste Salt enhancing all the flavors
Quesadilla Ingredients
- 4 pieces burrito-sized flour tortillas soft and pliable
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain, ensuring tenderness
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil) providing a healthy frying medium
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded offering classic flavor
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded for its stretchy quality
- 1/2 cup American cheese, sliced or shredded for creaminess
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded adding richness
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by thinly slicing the sirloin steak across the grain. Season the steak slices with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to rest for around 10-15 minutes.
- In a bowl, blend mayonnaise, jalapeños, pickle juice, buttermilk, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cocoa powder, minced onion, and salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Once hot, sear the steak slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preference. Remove from heat and let them rest.
- Gently heat each tortilla in a skillet for a minute or two until pliable.
- Spread a generous layer of creamy jalapeño sauce on one side of each tortilla. On the other half, layer the assortment of shredded cheeses and top with steak slices.
- Carefully fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal. Cook in a greased skillet over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, with the cheese melted inside.
Notes
Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa, or spicy black beans. Cut into wedges for easy sharing. Avoid overfilling the quesadillas to ensure even cooking.