Loaded Steak Quesadillas

 

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 3/4 – 1 lb sirloin steak
• 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Mexican oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Quesadillas:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup canned fire-roasted corn kernels, drained
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained
• 1/2 an avocado, diced
• Lime wedges and fresh minced cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, combine the ancho chili powder, paprika, Mexican oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to create the spice blend.
• Generously coat the sirloin steak with this spice blend.

Sear the Steak:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the steak for no more than 3 minutes per side. The goal is to get a quick sear; the steak will cook further in the oven.
• Remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the quesadillas.

Assemble the Quesadillas:

• Place 2 tortillas on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle each one with 1/2 cup of the Mexican cheese blend.
• Top the cheese with thinly sliced cherry tomatoes, fire-roasted corn, drained black beans, and diced avocado.

Slice the Steak:

• Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain.
• Place the steak slices on top of the loaded tortillas.

Complete the Quesadillas:

• Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over both quesadillas and cover them with the remaining tortillas.

Bake:

• Bake the quesadillas in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are warmed through.

Serve:

• Remove the quesadillas from the oven and slice them as desired.
• Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, a dollop of sour cream, and your favorite salsa and guacamole.