Spicy BBQ Beef Quesadilla: A Smoky, Cheesy Delight

Nothing beats a crispy, melty quesadilla packed with smoky, spicy BBQ beef. This recipe takes tender, seasoned beef, coats it in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce with a hint of heat, and sandwiches it between layers of gooey melted cheese between two crispy, golden tortillas. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness—all in one handheld bite. Whether for a quick lunch, game-day snack, or a weeknight dinner, this quesadilla delivers big, bold flavors with minimal effort.

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Spicy BBQ Beef Quesadilla

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 2 large quesadillas

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Griddle
• Cutting board and knife
• Tongs
• Small Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

For the BBQ Beef

• 1 lb beef skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ cup spicy BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp hot sauce optional, for extra heat

For the Quesadilla

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar/jack mix
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeños optional, for extra heat
• ½ small red onion thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter for crisping the tortillas

For Serving

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Extra BBQ sauce
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

 

Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced beef and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spicy BBQ sauce and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly across the tortilla.
3. Spread a portion of the BBQ beef over the cheese, followed by pickled jalapeños and red onion slices.
4. Add another layer of shredded cheese on top.
5. Place a second tortilla on top, pressing down gently.
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Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat ½ tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Carefully place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, pressing down slightly with a spatula until golden brown and crispy.
4. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a large spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Repeat with the second quesadilla, adding more butter if needed.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute before slicing into triangles.
2. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and extra BBQ sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.

Pairings

These quesadillas go great with a side of Mexican street corn (elote), a zesty coleslaw, or a refreshing mango salsa. To drink, a cold Mexican lager or a spicy margarita will complement the smoky heat perfectly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Skirt steak, flank steak, or even ground beef work well. If using ground beef, cook it until browned before adding the BBQ sauce.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and assemble the quesadillas when ready.

3. What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?

A Mexican blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Asadero) is ideal, but you can also use just cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick.

4. How do I make this less spicy?

Use a mild BBQ sauce and skip the hot sauce and jalapeños.

5. Can I make this in the oven?

Yes! Assemble the quesadillas, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.