Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden quesadilla stuffed with juicy, marinated steak, sautรฉed peppers, and gooey melted cheese. The bold kick of chili, the zing of fresh lime, and the smoky char on the steak make these quesadillas absolutely irresistible. Whether youโ€™re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is a total game-changer. Trust meโ€”youโ€™ll be making these on repeat!

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Why Youโ€™ll Love Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

Bold and Zesty Flavors: The chili-lime marinade gives the steak an incredible depth of flavor.
Easy and Quick: Simple steps, minimal prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: Perfectly golden tortillas with a melty, flavorful filling.
Customizable: Swap the steak for chicken, shrimp, or even mushrooms for a veggie version.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, game nights, or party appetizers.

Ingredients in Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

Steak: Flank steak or skirt steak works bestโ€”tender, juicy, and so flavorful.
Lime Juice: Adds brightness and enhances the chili seasoning.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade penetrate the meat and gives a great sear.
Chili Powder & Cumin: Classic fajita spices for a warm, smoky taste.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Boosts the overall flavor depth.
Bell Peppers & Onions: Sweet and slightly charred for that perfect fajita touch.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully in the pan.
Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar is a must.
Butter or Oil: For crisping up the quesadillas to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat the steak evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred. Let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain.

Sautรฉ the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit of oil and cook the sliced peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Quesadillas: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle cheese, add steak slices, sautรฉed peppers, and more cheese on one half. Fold the tortilla over.

Cook Until Crispy: Heat a little butter or oil in a pan and cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Slice and Serve: Cut into wedges and enjoy with your favorite dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

How to Serve Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

With Guacamole: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the bold flavors.
With Salsa: Fresh pico de gallo or smoky chipotle salsa works great.
With Sour Cream: A cool, tangy contrast to the spicy, cheesy filling.
With Rice and Beans: Turn it into a full Tex-Mex feast!
As an Appetizer: Cut into smaller wedges for easy sharing.

Additional Tips

Let the Steak Rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender.
Use a Hot Pan: A hot skillet gives the tortillas that perfect golden crunch.
Experiment with Cheese: Try a mix of cheeses like pepper jack, cheddar, or queso Oaxaca.
Make it Spicier: Add jalapeรฑos or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the steak and veggies ahead of time for an easy, fast meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A1: Yes! Flank, skirt, or sirloin steak all work well.

Q2: How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Swap the steak for mushrooms, black beans, or grilled tofu.

Q3: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A3: You can, but they may not hold together as well. Flour tortillas crisp up beautifully!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q5: Whatโ€™s the best way to reheat quesadillas?
A5: Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for best crispiness. The microwave can make them soft.

Q6: Can I grill the steak instead of pan-frying?
A6: Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor thatโ€™s amazing in these quesadillas.

Q7: Can I freeze quesadillas?
A7: Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze. Reheat in a pan or oven when ready to eat.

Q8: How do I keep the quesadillas from getting soggy?
A8: Donโ€™t overfill them, and cook them over medium heat so they crisp up without getting greasy.

Q9: Can I use pre-cooked steak?
A9: Yes! Leftover steak works greatโ€”just slice it thin and warm it up before using.

Q10: What other toppings go well with this?
A10: Try pickled red onions, cotija cheese, or a squeeze of extra lime for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas are packed with bold, zesty flavors and an irresistible crispy texture. Whether youโ€™re making them for a quick dinner, a party, or meal prep, theyโ€™re guaranteed to be a hit. So fire up that skillet, grab your tortillas, and get ready for a seriously satisfying bite!

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Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

These Chili Lime Steak Fajita Quesadillas are packed with bold, smoky flavors, tender marinated steak, and sizzling fajita veggies, all melted together with gooey cheese inside a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or party snack, these cheesy, flavorful quesadillas will be a hit! Serve them with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience.


Ingredients

For the Chili Lime Steak Marinade:

  • 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

  • 1 tbsp lime zest

  • 2 tsp chili powder

  • 2 tsp ancho chili powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Fajita Veggies:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow onion, sliced

  • 2 Fresno peppers, chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Quesadillas:

  • 4 large flour tortillas

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)

  • 1 tbsp butter (for crisping tortillas)

Optional Toppings:

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  • Sour cream

  • Guacamole

  • Salsa

  • Fresh cilantro


Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, orange juice, and spices.

  2. Place the steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over it.

  3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

  1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or longer for desired doneness.

  3. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Sautรฉ the Fajita Veggies

  1. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add bell peppers and onions, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

  3. Sautรฉ for 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

  1. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter.

  2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, then layer on cheese, steak slices, and fajita veggies.

  3. Top with another sprinkle of cheese and place a second tortilla on top.

  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

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  1. Slice into quarters and serve with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.

  2. Enjoy these cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed quesadillas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad!


Notes

  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeรฑos or an extra dash of red pepper flakes.

  • Make it Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or serve the steak and veggies in lettuce wraps.

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  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 day


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
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