BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

Name: BBQ Brisket Quesadilla
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 8-inch tortillas; 1 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack); 2 cups shredded beef; ⅓ cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup diced red onions; Fresh cilantro

Posted on December 10, 2025

Main Dishes

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This BBQ brisket quesadilla recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, a game day gathering, or simply looking for a quick dinner, these quesadillas deliver on taste and satisfaction. The combination of Oaxaca cheese, tender brisket, and zesty BBQ sauce makes each bite a savory treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce and melted cheese creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer. You can customize fillings based on your preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for families or gatherings; it’s sure to impress guests of all ages.
Healthy Option: Incorporating lean meat and fresh veggies makes this a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing your BBQ brisket quesadilla even easier. A few essential kitchen tools can elevate your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large skillet
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Large skillet: Ensures even cooking and allows you to make multiple quesadillas at once.
Spatula: Provides easy flipping without damaging your quesadilla.
Knife: Essential for chopping onions and cilantro with precision.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safe and efficient food preparation.

Ingredients

For the Quesadilla

6 8 tortillas
1 ½ Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack or Mexican Cheese)
2 cups shredded brisket
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup red onions (diced)
cilantro

How to Make BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add two tablespoons of cheese to one half of the tortilla.

Step 2: Layer the Fillings

On top of the cheese, layer:
1. Shredded brisket
2. BBQ sauce
3. Diced red onions
4. Fresh cilantro
5. Two more tablespoons of cheese

Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadilla

Add the prepared quesadilla to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until each side is golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and cut into wedges. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

Enjoy your delicious BBQ brisket quesadilla!

How to Serve BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

Serving BBQ brisket quesadillas can elevate your meal experience and impress your guests. With a few thoughtful additions, you can transform this dish into a complete feast.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

Cilantro Sprigs: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on the side complements the rich flavors.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a nice contrast to the crispy quesadilla.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

Extra BBQ Sauce: Serve extra BBQ sauce for dipping to enhance the smoky flavors.
Salsa Verde: A zesty salsa verde adds freshness and a little kick.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs beautifully with the quesadilla.

Create a Platter

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the richness of the quesadilla.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa make for an excellent appetizer before the main dish.

How to Perfect BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

To ensure you make the best BBQ brisket quesadillas, consider these helpful tips.

Bold Cheese Choice: Use Oaxaca cheese for its meltability and flavor, but Monterey Jack works well too.
Even Filling Distribution: Spread the filling evenly to ensure every bite is delicious.
Preheat Your Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot enough to create a crispy tortilla without burning it.
Don’t Overfill: Keep fillings moderate; too much can lead to messy cooking and soggy tortillas.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables for vibrant flavors.
Experiment with Seasoning: Add your favorite spices to enhance the beef’s flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

Adding side dishes to your meal can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to serve alongside your BBQ brisket quesadillas.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and spices offers a sweet and savory flavor.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds heartiness to your meal.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime juice provides a nutritious complement.
Grilled Vegetables: Assorted seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection add color and nutrients.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside your quesadillas.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños brightens up each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ brisket quesadillas, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Overfilling your quesadilla: Adding too much filling can make it hard to cook evenly. Aim for a balanced amount of brisket and cheese for the best results.
Using the wrong cheese: Not all cheeses melt well in quesadillas. Stick with Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for that perfect gooey texture.
Cooking on high heat: High temperatures can burn the tortilla before the inside is heated through. Keep your skillet at medium heat for even cooking.
Skipping the cilantro: Fresh herbs elevate the flavors significantly. Don’t skip the cilantro; it adds freshness and brightness.
Not letting it rest: Cutting into your quesadilla immediately can lead to spillage. Let it rest for a minute after cooking for better presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating BBQ Brisket Quesadilla Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cheese for BBQ brisket quesadilla?

Oaxaca cheese is ideal due to its melting properties, but you can also use Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blends.

How do I customize my BBQ brisket quesadilla?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap out proteins for chicken or turkey if desired.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above, then reheat when ready to serve.

How many servings does this BBQ brisket quesadilla recipe yield?

This recipe makes six delicious servings, perfect for sharing at dinner or lunch!

Conclusion

This BBQ brisket quesadilla recipe is not just flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your preferences. Try this simple yet satisfying dish today!