Quesadillas with Sausage and Peppers

A family-friendly "cinch" of a meal that combines savory Italian sausage and tender bell peppers with gooey mozzarella, served with a warm marinara dipping sauce.
Print Recipe
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 640
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Filling:
  • 2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 8 oz sweet Italian sausage casings removed
  • 2 bell peppers any color, sliced
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • For the Assembly:
  • 4 large flour tortillas burrito-size
  • 1 8- ounce bag shredded mozzarella cheese about 2 cups
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • For Serving:
  • 1 cup marinara sauce warmed

Method
 

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through (about 5 minutes).
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes).
  3. Finish the Filling: Add 1/2 cup marinara sauce and a splash of water to the skillet. Cook and stir until the vegetables are lightly coated and the skillet is mostly dry (3 to 5 minutes). Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and wipe out the skillet.
  4. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay the tortillas on a work surface. On one side of each tortilla, layer 1/4 cup mozzarella, 1/2 tablespoon parmesan, a quarter of the sausage mixture, and another 1/4 cup mozzarella and 1/2 tablespoon parmesan. Fold the tortillas over the filling and press gently.
  5. Grill and Serve: Brush the outside of the tortillas with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Working in two batches, cook the quesadillas in the reserved skillet over medium heat until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Slice into wedges and serve with the remaining warm marinara sauce for dipping.