Kamil Perry
Steak and cheese quesadillas are a delicious Mexican dish, but how many calories do they contain? The answer may vary depending on the ingredients and portion size, but one cup (around 235 grams) of steak and cheese quesadilla contains approximately 588 calories. This calorie count can be broken down into 25% carbs, 44% fat, and 31% protein. So, while it may be a tasty treat, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 393-588 |
| Protein | 31%-35.3g |
| Fat | 29.4g-44% |
| Carbohydrates | 25%-47.1g |
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What You'll Learn
Calories: around 400 to 600 per serving
A steak and cheese quesadilla typically contains between 400 and 600 calories per serving. This calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. For example, one cup of steak and cheese quesadilla, weighing around 235 grams, contains approximately 588 calories. This calorie count includes the contribution from protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
The macronutrient breakdown of a steak and cheese quesadilla serving contributes to the overall calorie count. On average, 25% of the calories come from carbohydrates, 44% from fat, and 31% from protein. This balance of nutrients makes the dish a good source of energy and fuel for the body.
The steak in the quesadilla is a good source of protein, which contributes to the overall calorie count. Grilled or marinated steak provides a hearty and satisfying base for the quesadilla. The cheese, on the other hand, adds richness and flavour. Melted cheese provides a good amount of fat to the dish, making it indulgent and comforting.
The other ingredients in a steak and cheese quesadilla also contribute to the calorie count. Tortillas, for example, add carbohydrates to the dish. The addition of sauces or other toppings can also increase the calorie content. However, by choosing whole wheat tortillas or low-fat cheese options, it is possible to reduce the calorie count while still enjoying the flavours of this dish.
It's important to note that individual calorie needs may vary, and a 2,000 calorie diet is often used as a general guideline for nutritional advice. As such, a steak and cheese quesadilla can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but moderation is key. Enjoying this dish as an occasional treat or making adjustments to the recipe to suit your dietary needs can ensure a healthy relationship with food while still savouring the flavours of this Mexican favourite.
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Macronutrients: carbs, fat, protein
A steak and cheese quesadilla is a delicious treat, but it's important to be mindful of the macronutrients it contains: carbs, fat, and protein. One cup of steak and cheese quesadilla, weighing around 235 grams, contains approximately 588 calories. But how does this break down in terms of macronutrients?
Firstly, let's talk about carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a crucial source of energy for the body, and one cup of steak and cheese quesadilla contains approximately 47 grams of carbs. This contributes to around 25% of the total calories in the dish.
Now, let's discuss fat. Fat is an essential macronutrient, providing a concentrated source of energy and aiding in the absorption of certain vitamins. However, it's important to moderate your intake of fat, especially saturated fat, as excessive consumption can lead to health issues. The steak and cheese quesadilla contains about 29 grams of fat, accounting for 44% of the total calories.
Protein is the third macronutrient, and it's essential for muscle growth and repair. The steak and cheese quesadilla is a good source of protein, offering approximately 35 grams of protein, which makes up about 31% of the total calories.
It's worth noting that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in preparing the steak and cheese quesadilla. Additionally, individual dietary needs and calorie intake goals should be considered when deciding on portion sizes.
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Origin: Mexican cuisine
The quesadilla is a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, with a history that traces back to colonial Mexico. The dish is a product of the intermingling of indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions. Initially, the indigenous peoples of Mexico utilized tortillas as a staple in their diet, a practice that predates the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
The Spanish introduced dairy products like cheese, which, when added to the indigenous corn tortillas, laid the foundations for what we now recognize as the quesadilla. This fusion of ingredients symbolizes the blending of two cultures, creating a dish that has endured for centuries.
Quesadillas traditionally consist of a tortilla filled with cheese, then folded and cooked until the cheese melts. In Mexico City, quesadillas are not assumed to come with cheese unless specifically requested. Oaxaca (or string) cheese is the most common filling, but other ingredients are also used in addition to the cheese. These can include cooked vegetables, such as potatoes with chorizo, squash blossoms, huitlacoche (a type of corn fungus known for its earthy flavor), and different types of cooked meat, such as chicharron, tinga made of chicken or beef, or cooked pork.
Quesadillas are usually cooked on a comal, a smooth, flat griddle, without the addition of any oil. The comal imparts a slightly smoky flavor to the quesadilla, characteristic of traditional Mexican cuisine. In some places, quesadillas are also fried in oil to make quesadillas fritas, which are prepared like pastries. Regional variations abound, with some cultures incorporating ingredients that reflect local flavors and agricultural practices.
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Ingredients: steak, cheese, tortilla
A steak and cheese quesadilla is a delicious Mexican dish, comprising grilled steak, melted cheese, and fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a tortilla. While it's a tasty treat, it's best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.
The calorie count of a steak and cheese quesadilla can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities. For example, the type of cheese and tortilla used, as well as the cooking method, can all impact the calorie count.
Let's break down the ingredients and their contributions to the overall calorie content:
Steak:
The steak is the primary source of protein in a quesadilla. A 40-gram serving of cooked steak contains approximately 125 calories. The calorie count will vary depending on the cut and quantity of steak used.
Cheese:
Cheese is a rich and indulgent ingredient that adds a significant amount of flavour and texture to the quesadilla. A 60-gram serving of cheese contributes around 175 calories. Different types of cheese will have varying calorie contents, so the choice of cheese can alter the overall calorie count.
Tortilla:
The tortilla is the vessel that holds all the delicious fillings together. A toasted tortilla, especially if butter is used for toasting, can contribute between 200 and 225 calories to the overall dish. Flour tortillas, as used by Taco Bell for their steak quesadillas, will have a different calorie count compared to other varieties.
Putting all these ingredients together, a steak and cheese quesadilla can range anywhere from 393 to 588 calories per serving. It's important to note that these values are estimates and can deviate based on the specific ingredients and their quantities.
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Serving size: one cup
A cup of steak and cheese quesadilla weighing around 235 grams contains approximately 588 calories. This calorie count is based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet and may vary depending on individual calorie needs. The dish is a blend of grilled steak, melted cheese, and fresh ingredients, sandwiched between two tortillas.
The macronutrient breakdown of a steak and cheese quesadilla serving is approximately 25% carbohydrates, 44% fat, and 31% protein. This equates to about 47 grams of carbohydrates, 29 grams of fat, and 35 grams of protein per cup.
The calorie count of a steak and cheese quesadilla can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in its preparation. The type of cheese, for instance, can significantly impact the calorie content. Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack are commonly used in quesadillas and contribute to the overall calorie count.
Additionally, the cooking method and the addition of sauces or toppings can influence the calorie content. Grilling or pan-frying the quesadilla can add a small amount of calories from the cooking oil used. Sauces, such as creamy jalapeño sauce, can also increase the calorie count, depending on their ingredients and quantity used.
It's important to note that while a steak and cheese quesadilla can be a tasty treat, it's best enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high-calorie content. A single cup serving can provide a significant portion of an individual's daily calorie intake, depending on their calorie needs and overall diet.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a steak and cheese quesadilla contains around 588.2 calories per cup.
The macronutrient breakdown is approximately 25% carbohydrates, 44% fat, and 31% protein.
There are approximately 35.3 grams of protein in a cup of steak and cheese quesadilla.
Yes, there are variations of quesadillas that are made with different ingredients to reduce the calorie count. For example, you could use chicken or vegetables instead of steak, or reduce the amount of cheese.
