Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring crispy, butter-brushed tortillas filled with seasoned shredded pork or chicken, melted cheese, and served with a tangy homemade lime crema.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups shredded pork or chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 8 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crema)
- Optional toppings: crumbled queso fresco or cotija, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, diced avocado
Instructions
- Prep the filling: In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add shredded meat to a skillet over medium heat, pour in half the spice mix, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Make the lime crema: Whisk together sour cream, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Melt butter. Brush the outside edges of a tortilla with melted butter. Place the tortilla in a dry, unheated skillet. Add a layer of cheese to one half, top with seasoned meat, and add more cheese on top. Fold the empty half over.
- Cook until golden: Turn heat to medium-low. Brush the top side of the tortilla with more melted butter. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheese starts melting. Flip carefully, brush the new top with butter, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are crisp and golden.
- Serve: Remove to a cutting board and repeat with remaining tortillas. Cut into wedges and serve immediately with lime crema on the side.
Notes
For extra crispiness, brush tortillas with butter rather than oil. If using cold tortillas, warm them briefly in the microwave to prevent cracking. Ensure filling is dry to avoid soggy tortillas. For a lighter version, use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large quesadilla (
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: carnitas quesadillas, quick dinner, weeknight meals, crispy quesadillas, lime crema, Mexican food, easy recipes, leftover pork