Pulled Pork Carnitas Quesadillas

Ah, pulled pork carnitas quesadillas… just thinking about them makes my mouth water! You know that feeling when you bite into something and it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds? Well, this dish is just that—tender, juicy pulled pork nestled between crispy tortillas, and then there’s the sweet, almost buttery caramelized onions that just make everything pop! It’s that kind of cozy comfort food you want to share with friends, or just indulge in on a quiet night at home.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s packed with flavor—like, seriously, you’ll wonder how something so simple can taste this good!
• Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, and you can easily double the recipe for a crowd.
• Those caramelized onions? They take it to a whole new level… trust me, don’t skip them!
• They’re easy to customize—add jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy or throw in some beans for extra heartiness.
• Lastly, they’re super satisfying, making your tummy happy without feeling heavy—perfect balance!

Honestly, my family fights over the last quesadilla every single time.

What You’ll Need

• Pulled Pork: 3-4 pounds of pork shoulder that’ll get all tender and flavorful, just wait!
• Taco seasoning: 2 tablespoons of your favorite brand or homemade, whatever you have handy.
• Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced, because caramelized onions make everything better.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons to work that magic on the onions.
• Flour tortillas: 4 large, enough to wrap all that deliciousness.
• Cheese: 1 cup shredded, whether it’s Monterey Jack or cheddar, your call!
• Salt: to taste, always seasoned just right.
• Pepper: to taste, because a little kick is always welcome.

Easy How-To

Prepare the Carnitas

Okay, so first things first, let’s start with that pork! Shred the cooked carnitas into bite-sized pieces, you want them about the size of a gum ball… so there’s some meat in every bite. Make sure it’s all nicely mixed up, you know? No clumps— just fluffy, seasoned goodness.

Caramelize the Onions

Now, grab a skillet—heat up that olive oil on medium-low. Toss in your sliced onions and let them dance around the pan for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll need to stir occasionally, but nothing too intense—just until they’re golden, soft, and sweet. Oh, and season with a little salt… just trust your instincts here, taste as you go!

Assemble the Quesadillas

Now let’s get to the fun part! Lay a tortilla on a clean surface, sprinkle a layer of cheese—don’t be shy, a generous handful is ideal. Then, a layer of all that pulled pork goodness, followed by those caramelized onions. Finally, top it off with another tortilla. Easy, huh? Just like a flavor hug!

Cook the Quesadillas

Time to crisp them up! Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a dash of oil. Place your assembled quesadilla in the pan… you want it golden brown, usually about 3-4 minutes. Just keep an eye on her—once it’s looking crispy, flip it and repeat! A melted cheese center is key here, right?

Slice and Serve

Okay, so pull that beauty out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute (you don’t want to burn your mouth, right?). Now slice it into wedges, serve it up with your favorite sides, and maybe a fun dipping sauce, like guacamole or salsa!

Good to Know

• Got leftovers? They’ll keep in an airtight container for about 3 days. Perfect for a quick snack!
• If you reheat, I suggest using a skillet over low heat—way better than the microwave.

Serving Ideas

• Serve them with a side of fresh salsa, guacamole, and maybe a crisp salad for that crunchy contrast.

Top Tricks

• Try mixing in minced garlic when you caramelize the onions for that extra depth of flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Oh sure! While pork shoulder is kinda the star for its juicy goodness, you can definitely try other cuts like pork butt or even something leaner, just keep an eye on the cooking time, okay?

How do I store leftovers?

So easy! Just pop your leftover pulled pork in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for about 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months, if you can resist that long!

Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whip up the pulled pork ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before you’re ready to assemble your quesadillas.

What can I serve with these quesadillas?

This dish pairs magnificently with salsa, guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, or a fresh salad… all great choices!

How can I make these quesadillas spicier?

Oh, spice it up! You could sprinkle in some diced jalapeños or drizzle a little chipotle sauce… or use pepper jack cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Just adjust according to your taste!

Conclusion

So there you have it, pulled pork carnitas quesadillas! They’re such a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any night… The combination of slow-cooked carnitas and those crispy tortillas is just magic, especially with the sweet caramelized onions. Whether you’re hosting friends or just cooking for yourself, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone together. You’re gonna love it!

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Fresh mango mixed with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime for a refreshing topping or side dish that pairs well with quesadillas.