Cajun Beef Sausage Quesadillas (Printable)

Crispy tortillas loaded with spicy Cajun beef sausage, colorful peppers, and plenty of melted cheese for a hearty handheld meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 9 oz Cajun-style beef sausage, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 small green bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dairy & Cheese

05 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - Salt & black pepper, to taste

→ Staples

11 - 4 large flour tortillas (10 inch)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pan, add peppers and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
03 - Return the sausage to the skillet, mix, and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the mixture to a bowl. Wipe the skillet clean.
04 - Melt 1/2 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, sprinkle a quarter of the cheese evenly over half of it, then spread a quarter of the sausage and veggie mixture over the cheese. Fold the tortilla to enclose the filling.
05 - Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese has melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas, butter, cheese, and filling.
06 - Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give these quesadillas a smoky depth that you just cant get from regular Tex-Mex versions
  • They reheat surprisingly well for lunch the next day if you somehow manage to have leftovers
02 -
  • Don't rush the initial sausage browning step, that's where a lot of the flavor develops
  • Wiping the skillet clean between steps prevents the quesadillas from picking up burned bits and ensures even browning
03 -
  • If your tortillas are stiff, warm them in the microwave for 15 seconds before filling
  • A cast iron skillet creates the best crunch, but any heavy pan will work

Return