BBQ Pulled Beef Quesadillas

Name: BBQ Pulled Beef Quesadillas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups Pre-cooked pulled beef (unseasoned or lightly seasoned); 1/2 cup Smoky barbecue sauce; 8 pieces Large flour tortillas; 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup Red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp Unsalted butter; 2 tbsp Pickled jalapeños (optional)

These BBQ Pulled Beef Quesadillas are a flavor-packed fusion of smoky pit-style beef and crispy Tex-Mex comfort. Perfectly melted sharp cheddar binds tender shredded beef and zesty red onions between golden, buttery tortillas for a satisfying meal.

Prep

15m

Cook

15m

Serves

Calories

540kcal

Qty	Ingredient
2 cups 450 g	Pre-cooked pulled beef (unseasoned or lightly seasoned)
1/2 cup 120 ml	Smoky barbecue sauce
8 pieces 8 pieces	Large flour tortillas
2 cups 225 g	Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup 50 g	Red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup 10 g	Fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp 28 g	Unsalted butter
2 tbsp 30 g	Pickled jalapeños (optional)

How to Make BBQ Pulled Beef Quesadillas

Step 1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded pulled beef and the BBQ sauce. Toss well until the beef is thoroughly coated and moist.

Step 2. Lay four tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the four tortillas.

Step 3. Top the cheese with the BBQ beef mixture, followed by the sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, and optional jalapeños.

Step 4. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the beef filling and place the remaining four tortillas on top to create sandwiches.

Step 5. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter.

Step 6. Carefully place one or two quesadillas in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has completely melted.

Step 7. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

Step 8. Remove from the heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice into wedges and serve warm with sour cream or extra BBQ sauce.

·
Use a pizza cutter to slice the quesadillas cleanly without dragging the filling out.
·
If the beef is cold from the fridge, warm it briefly in the microwave before assembling to ensure the cheese melts quickly.
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For an extra kick, mix a teaspoon of chipotle in adobo sauce into your BBQ sauce.
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Don't overstuff the tortillas, as it makes flipping them much more difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought roast beef instead?

Yes, you can use deli roast beef or leftover pot roast. Simply shred it with two forks and follow the same steps to mix with BBQ sauce.

How do I keep the quesadillas crispy?

Avoid using too much oil or butter; just enough to coat the pan will suffice. Serving them immediately after cooking prevents the steam from softening the tortilla.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides a great flavor contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend are excellent choices for a superior melt.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Lightly brush the outside with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.