This refined interpretation of the classic Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla merges the essence of Philadelphia's beloved sandwich with the hearty comfort of a Mexican quesadilla. Crafted with premium ingredients including thinly sliced beef, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic onions, each quesadilla is encased in a lightly crisped flour tortilla and enriched with the smooth melt of provolone cheese. Ready in a mere half-hour, it presents an elegant yet straightforward option for any mealtime.
1lbof beefpreferably ribeye or top round, thinly sliced or diced
1medium onionfinely chopped
1red bell pepperfinely diced
1green bell pepperfinely diced
12ozof mushroomsfinely diced
6slicesof provolone cheesesliced in half (opt for non-aged varieties)
2tablespoonsof light olive oildivided for cooking
2clovesof garlicminced
½teaspoonof sea saltadjustable to taste
¼teaspoonof ground black pepperadjustable to taste
4teaspoonsof mayonnaiseoptional, for spreading
Instructions
Preparation of Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, introduce the beef, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until the beef is thoroughly cooked, ensuring it achieves a tender texture and rich flavor. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, covered to retain warmth.
Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet used for the beef, add an additional teaspoon of oil if necessary. Proceed to add the finely chopped onion, diced mushrooms, and both red and green bell peppers. Cook these ingredients until they are tender and fragrant, ensuring they contribute a complex layer of flavors to the dish.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, incorporating the minced garlic. Stir the mixture well, allowing the beef to reheat and absorb the garlic's aromatic qualities.
Assembly: If opting to use mayonnaise, spread a teaspoon evenly over one side of each tortilla. Divide the beef and vegetable mixture among the tortillas, placing it on one half of each. Top the mixture with provolone cheese slices before folding the tortillas in half, encasing the filling.
Final Cooking Step: Place a clean skillet over medium heat. If a crisper exterior is desired, a slight drizzle of olive oil may be added to the pan. Cook each quesadilla until the cheese has melted and the tortillas have achieved a golden and crisp exterior. This step is crucial for ensuring the quesadillas are perfectly toasted and the cheese is deliciously gooey. Flip each quesadilla once during cooking to ensure even crispness on both sides.