A Brisket Quesadilla is a mouth-watering dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weekday dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.
This delicious recipe is a fusion of Mexican and American cuisine, featuring tender slices of beef brisket smothered in melted cheese and sandwiched between two crispy tortillas. The bold flavors and hearty texture make it a satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.
Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and spices, and this recipe is no exception. The beef brisket is seasoned with a blend of smoky and savory spices that perfectly complement the gooey melted cheese. The tortillas provide a crispy texture that balances out the tender beef and the melted cheese. This dish is versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and delicious comfort food, then this brisket quesadilla recipe is definitely worth trying. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. So fire up your grill or heat up your skillet, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of this savory and satisfying dish!
Smoking Brisket For Brisket Quesadillas
This recipe is a great way to use leftover bbq brisket, but first, you’ll need to actually make the brisket! Making smoked brisket is a labor of love, but the end result is worth it.
If you’ve never smoked a brisket before, head to our Smoke Brisket Recipe for an in-depth explanation of how to smoke brisket on a pellet smoker.
- Trim fat and silver skin
- Season brisket and place it on the smoker at 225ºF
- When the thickest part reaches 202ºF remove it from the smoker
- Let it rest in foil for 30 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and serve.
How To Make a Brisket Quesadilla
Preheat Griddle Over Medium Heat
To get started, you’ll need to preheat your skillet or griddle. This will ensure that it’s hot enough to cook your quesadillas evenly. Set your skillet or griddle to medium heat, which is hot enough to cook the tortillas and melt the cheese without burning them.
Combine Filling Ingredients
In this step, you’ll be making the filling for your brisket quesadillas. Start by combining your leftover shredded brisket with diced onions, jalapenos, and cilantro in a mixing bowl. These brisket quesadilla ingredients will add flavor and texture to your quesadillas.
Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your personal preference.
Place Tortilla On Skillet
Now it’s time to assemble your brisket quesadillas. Take a tortilla and place it on your preheated skillet. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top of the tortilla, making sure to cover it evenly.
Next, add a generous portion of your brisket mixture to half of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill it, as it may be difficult to fold over later.
Fold Tortilla in Half
To complete your brisket quesadilla, you’ll need to fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. This will enclose the brisket mixture and cheese inside. Use a spatula to press down gently on the quesadilla to seal the edges. This will help keep the filling from falling out while it cooks.
Cook Quesadilla
It’s time to cook your brisket quesadillas! Cook them on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your skillet or griddle, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Repeat With Remaining Quesadillas
Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and brisket mixture until you’ve made all of your desired quesadillas. You can adjust the amount of filling and cheese according to your taste.
Garnish & Serve
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious brisket quesadillas! Serve them hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side. These toppings will add even more flavor and texture to your quesadilla to make the best brisket quesadilla you’ve ever had!
What To Serve With Brisket Quesadillas
Brisket quesadillas are a tasty and filling meal that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a few complementary side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions and ideas on how to present this dish:
Sides
Consider serving your brisket quesadillas with some classic Mexican sides, such as Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad. The rice and beans will add a touch of heartiness to your meal, while the salad will provide some refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the quesadillas.
Beverages
For a classic Mexican beverage, try serving your brisket quesadillas with a tall glass of Horchata, a refreshing rice milk drink that’s popular in Latin America. You could also serve them with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Toppings
Don’t forget about the toppings! Some additional toppings you can serve with your brisket quesadillas include sliced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice. These toppings will add even more flavor and texture to your dish.
Presentation
To present your brisket quesadillas in an aesthetically pleasing way, try arranging them on a large platter with the sides and toppings on the side. You could also serve them individually on small plates or in a taco holder. Don’t forget to garnish your platter or plates with some fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color.
Variations of Brisket Quesadillas
Brisket quesadillas are a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations on the traditional recipe that you might want to try:
Extra Spicy
If you love spicy food, consider adding some extra heat to your brisket quesadillas. You could mix some hot sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with the brisket before assembling the quesadillas.
Alternatively, you could sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili flakes on top of the cheese before melting it. You could also substitute the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Breakfast
Turn your brisket quesadillas into a breakfast dish by adding some scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes to the filling. Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for a delicious start to your day.
Gluten-Free
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or other gluten-free tortillas. Be sure to check the ingredients in sauces to look for hidden sources of gluten.
Barbecue
For a smoky, barbecue flavor, add some barbecue sauce or dry rub seasoning to the brisket before assembling the quesadillas. You could also top them with some coleslaw or pickled onions for extra crunch. Try using sharp cheddar cheese for this variation for tasty quesadillas with tons of flavor.
Vegan
To make a vegan version of this dish, simply swap out the brisket for a plant-based protein such as jackfruit, tofu, or seitan. You could also add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture. Use vegan cheese or omit it altogether.
Best Beer To Pair With Brisket Quesadilla
Get ready to indulge in a flavor fiesta with your Brisket Quesadillas! These cheesy, smoky delights are like a flavor explosion in your mouth. But what’s a fiesta without the perfect beer to join the party? Let’s explore the top beer pairings that will make your quesadillas even more extraordinary.
Mexican Lager
Mexican Lager is like the lively mariachi band at your Brisket Quesadilla fiesta. Its crisp, clean taste complements the smoky brisket while offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, melted cheese. The zesty notes in Mexican Lager add a layer of excitement to every bite. This pairing is like a lively dance of flavors, where the quesadillas shine, and the beer keeps the party going.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
IPA, the bold adventurer of the beer world, is ready to spice things up with your quesadillas. Its hoppy flavors and citrusy zing cut through the richness of the brisket and cheese, creating an exciting contrast that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This pairing is like a flavor adventure, where each quesadilla bite is met with a burst of hoppy excitement. The IPA’s refreshing bitterness and fruity notes elevate the overall experience, making your fiesta even more satisfying.
Stout
Stout, with its dark and hearty character, is like the cozy fireplace at your Brisket Quesadilla gathering. Its roasted malt and coffee notes enhance the smoky depth of the brisket, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The creamy, full-bodied nature of stout adds an extra layer of comfort to each bite. This pairing is like a comforting hug, where the quesadillas and the beer create a culinary love story.
More Leftover Brisket Recipes
If you have leftover brisket, don’t let it go to waste! Here are some of our favorite recipes that use leftover brisket as a star ingredient.
Brisket Quesadilla
Equipment
- Skillet
- Medium Size Pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover brisket, shredded
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded brisket with diced onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top. Add a generous portion of the brisket mixture on half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape and press down gently with a spatula to seal the edges.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and brisket mixture.
- Serve the brisket quesadillas hot with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
Nutrition
Brisket Quesadilla FAQs
What is brisket quesadilla?
A Brisket quesadilla is a delicious Mexican dish that combines sliced beef brisket with cheese and tortillas.
What kind of brisket should I use for brisket quesadilla?
You can use any kind of beef brisket for this recipe, whether it’s leftover from a previous meal or freshly cooked.
What kind of cheese should I use for brisket quesadilla?
You can use any kind of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Queso Blanco. cookings
Can I make brisket quesadillas without a grill?
Yes, you can make brisket quesadillas on a stovetop using a large skillet or griddle.
How long does it take to cook brisket quesadillas?
It takes around 5-7 minutes to cook each quesadilla, depending on the heat and thickness.
Can I freeze leftover brisket quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze leftover brisket quesadillas for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
What are some good sides to serve with brisket quesadillas?
Some good sides to serve with brisket quesadillas include Spanish rice, refried beans, and a fresh side salad.
Can I use a different kind of meat instead of brisket?
Yes, you can use any kind of meat that you like, such as chicken, pork, or ground beef.
How many nutrition calories are in brisket quesadillas?
The number of calories in brisket quesadillas can vary depending on the type and amount of cheese used. A typical serving of brisket quesadillas contains around 400-500 calories.