If you’re craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender, smoky brisket with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla, you’re in the right place! This brisket quesadilla recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your traditional quesadilla game by adding rich, slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for a casual dinner, game day snack, or a weekend treat, these quesadillas bring together bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.
Whether you have leftover brisket from a barbecue or want to prepare it fresh, this recipe will guide you through making a perfectly crispy, cheesy quesadilla stuffed with juicy brisket, sautéed onions, and a blend of spices that will keep you coming back for more.
Plus, we’ll share tips to customize it to your taste and ideas for serving. Let’s get cooking and make your next quesadilla a brisket masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brisket quesadilla recipe is a delightful fusion of smoky, tender beef and melty cheese wrapped in a crisp tortilla. It’s easy to prepare, especially if you have leftover brisket, and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a creamy, gooey texture that perfectly complements the brisket’s deep flavors. Plus, the addition of sautéed onions and a hint of spice adds layers of complexity without overwhelming the dish.
This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings or sides, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends.
Enjoy the convenience, flavor, and comfort all in one delicious handheld meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brisket, shredded or chopped
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream or guacamole, for serving
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare the brisket: If you have leftover brisket, chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. If using freshly cooked brisket, ensure it’s tender and cooled slightly for easy handling.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness.
- Season the brisket: In a mixing bowl, combine the brisket with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium-low. Place one tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Add brisket and onions: Over the cheese, evenly spread a generous amount of the seasoned brisket and sautéed onions. Top with a little more cheese to help everything stick together.
- Fold and cook: Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Press gently with a spatula to help everything meld together.
- Repeat: Remove the cooked quesadilla to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat the assembly and cooking process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve: Slice each quesadilla into wedges and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole as desired. Enjoy while hot and melty!
Tips & Variations
Tip: For an extra crispy quesadilla, lightly brush the outside of the tortilla with melted butter before cooking.
Variation: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce inside the quesadilla for a spicy kick.
Tip: Use leftover smoked brisket for a deeper, authentic barbecue flavor, or substitute with shredded roast beef if brisket is unavailable.
Variation: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 quesadilla) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This brisket quesadilla pairs wonderfully with fresh, vibrant sides. Consider serving it alongside a bowl of A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals for a light contrast, or complement it with a spicy salsa verde for an extra layer of flavor.
For a heartier meal, pair your quesadilla with Mexican-style rice or a simple green salad. You can also explore additional snack ideas like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to round out your menu.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect brisket quesadilla is easier than you might think, and it’s guaranteed to impress with its rich smoky flavors and gooey cheese. This recipe is a wonderful way to use leftover brisket or make fresh, mouthwatering quesadillas for any occasion.
From the tender, seasoned meat to the crisp, golden tortillas, every bite delivers comfort and satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and spices to make it your own.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out other delicious ideas like Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy to keep your meals exciting and flavorful!
📖 Recipe Card: Brisket Quesadilla
Description: A savory quesadilla filled with tender smoked brisket and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked smoked brisket, shredded
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded brisket, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove mixture from skillet and set aside.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tortilla.
- Spread half the brisket mixture on top of the cheese.
- Add cilantro and then sprinkle remaining cheese over the mixture.
- Top with a second tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet, let cool slightly, then cut into wedges.
- Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 32 g | Fat: 25 g | Carbs: 28 g
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