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Copycat Taco Bell Steak Quesadilla Recipe

By Editor
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As a college student on a tight budget, I fell in love with Taco Bell’s Steak Quesadilla – that perfect combination of seasoned steak, stretchy cheese, and smoky chipotle sauce tucked inside a crispy tortilla. When prices started climbing beyond my student budget, I spent weeks perfecting this copycat recipe that captures all those cravable flavors at a fraction of the cost. Now my family enjoys restaurant-quality quesadillas whenever the craving strikes, without the drive-thru wait or the inflated price tag.

Copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla on a wood serving board.

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What makes the Taco Bell Steak Quesadilla so good?

The juicy tender steak, gooey cheese blend, and creamy spicy chipotle sauce seriously satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Wrapped in a crunchy tortilla, it is a super simple and delicious quick lunch or filling snack that you can cook up in a matter of minutes. This melty and meaty combo is sure to become a favorite in your home. 

Why you should try this recipe 

This copycat recipe succeeds by focusing on the three key components that make Taco Bell’s version irresistible:

  • Budget-friendly ingredients – Simple, accessible ingredients keep costs low while maintaining authentic flavo
  • Authentic seasoning blend – The steak is seasoned with a carefully balanced spice mixture that replicates Taco Bell’s distinctive beef flavor profile
  • Perfect cheese combination – The mix of Colby-Jack and mozzarella creates ideal meltability and that signature cheese pull
  • Homemade chipotle sauce – This sauce delivers the signature smoky-spicy-creamy flavor that sets Taco Bell’s quesadillas apart
  • Dry-skillet cooking method – Using a clean, dry skillet creates the characteristic crispy exterior while ensuring complete cheese melting
  • Restaurant-quality results – Every component is optimized to match the taste, texture, and appearance of the drive-thru favorite

Steak Quesadilla Taco Bell style ingredients 

For the Taco Bell Steak Quesadilla sauce, you’ll need:

For the Chipotle Sauce:

  • Sour cream – Provides creamy tanginess that balances the spice
  • Mayonnaise – Creates rich texture and smooth consistency
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo – Delivers the signature smoky heat
  • Salt – Enhances all flavors in the sauce
  • Black pepper – Adds subtle spice complexity
  • Onion powder – Contributes savory depth without texture
  • Garlic powder – Provides essential aromatic base notes
  • Lime juice – Brightens the sauce with citrus acidity

For the Steak:

  • Sirloin – Offers the ideal balance of tenderness and flavor
  • Seasoned salt – Creates multi-dimensional savory foundation
  • Black pepper – Adds classic spice element
  • Onion powder – Contributes savory depth without texture
  • Granulated garlic – Provides aromatic flavor without burning
  • Chili powder – Adds mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor
  • Smoked paprika – Delivers smoky notes that enhance the beef
  • Vegetable oil – Helps seasonings adhere to the meat

For Assembly:

  • Colby-Jack cheese – Provides rich flavor and excellent melting properties
  • Mozzarella cheese – Creates that perfect stretchy cheese pull
  • Flour tortillas – Forms the crispy exterior shell
  • Seasoned steak – Delivers the protein-rich center
  • Spicy chipotle sauce – Ties all flavors together with creamy heat
Copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla ingredients on a tray.Copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla ingredients on a tray.

How to make it 

To make the copycat Taco Bell quesadilla sauce:

  1. Add all the ingredients for the sauce to a blender jar or the bowl of a food processor. 
  2. Pulse a few times and then scrape down the sides of the container.  Blend the sauce on low until it’s smooth. 
  3. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. 

To cook the steak:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the seasonings for the steak.
  2. Brush the steak with vegetable oil and sprinkle the seasonings on all sides of the steak.
  3. Preheat a skillet over high heat and cook the steak to your desired doneness. 
  4. Let the steak rest for five minutes before cutting it into thin slices against the grain. 

To finish the copycat Taco Bell Steak Quesadilla recipe:

  1. Mix the cheese in a bowl and set aside. 
  2. Heat a clean, dry large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Layer a quarter of the cheese and steak on half of the tortilla. 
  4. Drizzle the sauce over the steak slices and cheese. 
  5. Fold the tortilla over the fillings and cook on one side until crispy, then flip and cook on the other side until the cheese melts. 
  6. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
  7. Place the quesadillas on a cutting board and cut them into 4 pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Making copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla and sauce.Making copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla and sauce.
Copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla on a wood serving board.Copycat Taco Bell steak quesadilla on a wood serving board.

Copycat Taco Bell Steak Quesadilla

This homemade version of Taco Bell’s famous Steak Quesadilla features seasoned sirloin, melty cheese, and spicy chipotle sauce in a crispy tortilla.