Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pit beef, thinly sliced
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
3. Add the sliced pit beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and crispy.
4. Remove the pit beef from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
6. Add the chopped cilantro to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
8. Place a flour tortilla on a clean work surface.
9. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla.
10. Add a layer of the cooked pit beef on top of the cheese.
11. Spoon the onion and pepper mixture over the pit beef.
12. Fold the tortilla in half to create a quesadilla.
13. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
14. Heat the skillet over medium heat.
15. Add the quesadillas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
16. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
17. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for cooking the pit beef and vegetables
Medium heat for cooking the quesadillas
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 480
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 820mg
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pit beef can be substituted with sliced roast beef or steak.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any type of shredded cheese.
- Red onion and green bell pepper can be substituted with any type of diced vegetables.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or omitted altogether.
Variations:
- Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced tomatoes to the vegetable mixture.
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to thinly slice the pit beef for even cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the quesadillas from sticking.
- Don't overfill the quesadillas, or they will be difficult to flip.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the quesadillas on a large platter with a side of salsa and sour cream.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or sliced jalapenos.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of Spanish rice or a simple green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Spanish rice
- Green salad
- Black beans
- Corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the quesadillas are difficult to flip, use a spatula to hold the filling in place while you flip them.
- If the cheese is not melting, cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and melt the cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pit beef to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Quesadillas originated in Mexico and are typically made with cheese and a variety of fillings, such as meat, vegetables, or beans.
Flavor profiles:
The pit beef adds a smoky and savory flavor to the quesadillas, while the cheddar cheese provides a creamy and tangy taste. The onion and pepper mixture adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor, while the cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous note.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the quesadillas as a main dish for lunch or dinner. They are also great for a party or game day snack.
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