Barbacoa Quesadillas Recipe

These Barbacoa Quesadillas are so easy to make and incredibly delicious. Tender, slow-cooked barbacoa meat and melted sharp white cheddar cheese are folded between golden tortillas.  These Barbacoa Quesadillas are gluten-free, and can also be adapted to be dairy-free. You are going to love these easy-to-make Beef Barbacoa Quesadillas, as they are a true fiesta for your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great Way To Use Up Leftovers: When you make Barbacoa, you are bound to have leftovers. Beef Barbacoa Quesadillas are great when you need to clean out the fridge.
• Quick And Easy: Once you have made the Barbacoa, assembling the quesadillas takes no time at all! It’s perfect for a quick lunch during a busy day.
• Family Friendly: Barbacoa Beef Quesadillas are something the whole family will love. They are ooey gooey, and oh so flavorful! Add your favorite toppings to make it extra special.

Barbacoa Quesadillas 

You are going to love this Barbacoa Quesadilla Recipe. It is so easy to make, and the whole family will love it. The fusion of flavors will dazzle your tastebuds offering a wonderful blend of savory, smoky, and creamy textures in each delicious bite. You can play around with the fillings and customize this recipe to your liking. 

What Is Barbacoa?

Traditionally, barbacoa is made from beef, specifically the meat from the head of the cow, including the cheeks, tongue, and other parts. However, in some regions, lamb meat or goat meat can be used as well. In the United States barbacoa is typically made with beef, which is a popular choice, especially if you are not a fan of beef cheek or beef tongue.

Barbacoa is renowned for its rich, smoky taste, a result of the slow cooking process. The use of various spices such as dried chilies or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cloves imparts a complex and robust flavor to the meat, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Ingredients 

• Gluten-Free Tortillas: To keep this recipe gluten-free, you will want to avoid using a flour tortilla. Thankfully there are many good quality gluten-free tortillas on the market. My favorite is Siete Almond Flour Tortillas, which you can pick up at Costco! If you enjoy corn, you could also make these Barbacoa Quesadillas on corn tortillas, just be sure to read the label and find a brand that uses non-GMO corn. We love the corn tortillas made by Vista Hermosa.
• White Cheddar Cheese: If possible look for raw cheddar cheese from grass-fed cows. Raw cheddar is typically easier to digest and is also packed with nutrients. If you don't have white cheddar cheese you can also use any of these white cheddar cheese substitutes. 
• Barbacoa: Barbacoa is the star of the show. Prepare your beef barbacoa in advance using a slow cooker or Dutch oven, and just remove it from the fridge when you are ready to assemble the quesadillas. 
• Avacado Oil: Avacado Oil, is perfect as it does not have flavor, and helps the tortillas crisp up nicely.

Step-By-Step Instructions 

1. Heat your cast iron skillet over medium low heat.
2. Lightly coat your cast iron skillet with avocado oil. 
3. Place your tortilla on the skillet and top the tortilla with cheese.
4. Once the cheese starts to melt add the barbacoa beef on top of the melted cheese. 
5. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the barbacoa and cheese and gently press down with a spatula.
6. Cook until the tortilla starts to brown and the cheese melts. Flip once and cook on the other side. 
7. Remove from the skillet and allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Add your favorite toppings, and a squeeze of lime juice and enjoy.

Tips And Tricks

• Choose Quality Ingredients: I say this a lot, but the quality of ingredients you use will have a huge impact on your overall dish. High-quality, minimally processed ingredients not only taste better, but they are better for you. When preparing the Barbacoa, try to get a chuck roast that is grass-fed. 
• Keep The Heat Low: It can be tempting to crank up the heat on your cast iron skillet in order to melt the cheese, but you run the risk of burning the tortilla before the cheese has time to melt. If you want to speed up the process, you can cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.
• Don’t Overstuff: We all want to stuff our quesadillas to the rim, but mindful stuffing is key! Overstuffing can lead to difficulty flipping and uneven cooking. Aim for a balanced ratio of barbacoa, and cheese.

Variations

• Put An Egg On It: Turn this delicious quesadilla into a breakfast delight. Top with a fried egg!
• Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Surprise: If you enjoy a bit of heat, layer thin slices of pickled jalapeños and a smear of cream cheese in your quesadilla. The creaminess of the cheese tempers the spice, resulting in a balanced and flavorful combination.
• Mango Avocado: Combine the creamy goodness of avocado slices with the sweetness of ripe mango chunks. The creamy and buttery avocado balances the sweet and juicy mango, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that contrasts with the savory barbacoa.
• Extra Smoky: Infuse your quesadilla with a smoky kick by spreading a layer of amazing chipotle sauce on your tortilla before adding the cheese and shredded barbacoa. This variation brings a subtle heat and a depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the meat.

What To Serve With Barbacoa Quesadillas?

Toppings: Mix and match your favorite toppings.

• Sour Cream
• Guacamole
• Pickled Red Onions
• Cilantro
• Green Onions
• Pico de Gallo
• Mango Habanero Salsa

Sides: Try any or all of these side dishes with your barbacoa quesadilla.

• Mexican Rice
• Refried Beans
• Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Meat Is Barbacoa?

While barbacoa can be made from different types of meat, beef is one of the most popular choices. The cut of beef used for barbacoa is often from the more flavorful and tender parts of the animal, such as the cheeks, and head, or the beef's more fibrous regions like the chest or brisket. 

What Is The Difference Between Barbacoa And Carnitas?

While both barbacoa and carnitas are flavorful slow-cooked meat dishes, the main difference lies in the type of meat used, the cooking method, and the resulting flavors and textures. Barbacoa typically involves slow-cooked beef or other meats in an underground pit, while carnitas are made with pork, cooked using low heat then shredded and finished off by being cooked on high heat in a pan until tender and crispy.

Read more about the difference between Barbacoa And Carnitas. 

Do You Cook Quesadillas In Oil Or Butter?

When cooking quesadillas, you may want to opt for using oil vs. butter. Butter contains water which may make your tortillas a bit soggy. On the other hand, cooking quesadillas in oil will help them develop that crispy texture that we love.

Do You Cook Quesadillas On Low Or High Heat?

Tortillas can burn easily so you will want to cook your quesadillas over medium heat. When making multiple quesadillas try using a griddle or grill pan.

What Is The Best Melting Cheese For Quesadillas?

The best melting cheese for quesadillas is one that strikes the perfect balance between melting smoothly and providing a delicious, creamy texture. Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, Cheddar, Queso Fresco, or Mozzarella are great options.

How To Serve

Allow the Barbacoa Quesadillas to cool for 10 minutes then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges. Serve these quesadillas warm, with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces.

How To Store 

If you plan to enjoy your barbacoa quesadillas within the next day or two, allow the quesadillas to cool. Once they have cooled warp them tightly in wax paper, foil, or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

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