Dinner

Carnitas Quesadilla Recipe

BySophie Carsel March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

Introduction

Carnitas quesadillas offer a deliciously crispy and cheesy meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Combining tender pork carnitas with melted cheese and black beans inside a crisp tortilla creates a flavorful, satisfying dish.

A white plate holds three stuffed quesadilla pieces with a golden brown, crispy outer layer, showing two triangular pieces stacked with visible layers of shredded meat, black beans, and melted cheese inside. One piece is topped with sliced green jalapeños. On the plate, there are two small dollops of dips: one of green chunky guacamole and another of smooth white sour cream, sprinkled with small green herb bits. In the background, a white marbled surface holds a clear glass bowl filled with shredded meat, a small glass bowl of bright orange-red chunky pico de gallo, a lime half, and some folded yellow and green fabric napkins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1⅓ cups pork carnitas
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon butter
Sour cream, for serving
Guacamole, for serving
Pico de gallo, for serving
Shredded lettuce, for serving
Corn salsa, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the pork carnitas and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes, allowing the bottom to crisp. The meat does not need to be fully heated through at this stage.
Step 2: Remove the carnitas from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add half the butter and swirl the pan until it melts and coats the surface. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of cheese evenly across the skillet.
Step 3: Place one tortilla on top of the melted butter and cheese. Layer half of the remaining cheese, black beans, and carnitas evenly over the tortilla. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the cheese melts and the bottom of the tortilla is golden brown.
Step 4: Fold the quesadilla in half and transfer to a plate. Repeat the process with the second tortilla and the remaining ingredients.
Step 5: Cut each quesadilla in half and serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and corn salsa on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the carnitas before crisping.
Swap Colby Jack cheese for a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper taste.
Add diced jalapeños inside for a spicy kick.
Use leftover cooked chicken or beef if you don’t have pork carnitas on hand.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain crispness, or microwave briefly if short on time. Avoid reheating in a microwave too long, as the tortilla can become soggy.

How to Serve

Three folded quesadilla wedges with a golden brown crispy outer layer are stacked slightly overlapping on a white plate. The quesadilla fillings visible at the cut edges show shredded meat in light brown, black beans, and melted yellow and white cheese. Two slices of green jalapeño rest on the top wedge. On the plate next to the quesadillas, there are two dollops: one of chunky green guacamole and another of smooth white sour cream, each garnished with small bits of green herbs. In the background, a clear glass bowl holds shredded meat, and another clear bowl contains chopped red and green salsa. A lime wedge and green leaves are visible beside the bowls, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to cook them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with carnitas quesadillas?

They pair well with fresh sides like shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and corn salsa to add brightness and balance to the rich flavors.