Welcome to our family blog, where today, we’re diving into the delicious world of BBQ Pork Quesadillas. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an adventure you can share with your kids. It’s simple, fun, and incredibly tasty. Let’s break down this culinary journey that starts with a slow cooker and ends with a delightful quesadilla maker.
We’ve tried a few different slow cookers and have noticed that cooking time can vary depending on age or brand. We now primarily use crock pot. This consistently cooks well and is easy to set and forget it.
For the quesadilla maker, we use a multi-purpose sandwich maker. The copper plates are easy to clean, and it perfectly stamps out 4 different sections for a quesadilla.
Versatility of BBQ Pork
The BBQ pork we’ll prepare is versatile. Typically used in sandwiches, this pork finds a new home in our quesadillas, bringing a delightful twist to a familiar favorite. The best part? It’s a recipe that reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend lunches.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
For the BBQ Pork:
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder
- McCormick Slow Cooker Stubb’s BBQ packet
- **If you don’t have the BBQ packet, you can just pick your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce and use 1.5 cups of sauce instead and skip the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
For the Quesadillas:
- Burrito-size tortillas
- Can of pineapple (or fresh)
- Cheddar Jack cheese
- Coleslaw
The Slow Cooker Magic
The slow cooker does wonders with the pork shoulder. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it method that tenderizes the pork and infuses it with rich flavors. The McCormick spice packet, combined with ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, creates a mouth-watering sauce that perfectly complements the pork.
Directions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Mix the spice packet with ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour this mixture over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- With 1 hour-30 minutes left, shred the pork with two forks, removing any fat and bones.
- Let it finish cooking to absorb the sauce fully.
Quesadilla Assembly: Where the Fun Begins
Once your pork is ready (either immediately or from the refrigerator), it’s time to assemble the quesadillas. This is where the kids can get creative and help out. Our son loves helping fill the tortillas, and some the pineapple and cheese usually gets in his mouth instead of the quesadillas.
Directions:
- Heat your quesadilla maker.
- On a tortilla, layer the pork, cheese, and chopped pineapple.
- Cook until the tortilla shows light browning and the cheese melts.
- Top with coleslaw, if desired, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Our BBQ Pork Quesadillas pair wonderfully with sides like baked beans or a steamed vegetable. These sides add nutritional value and complete the meal, making it balanced and satisfying.
Storing and Reheating
If you make all the quesadillas at once, they reheat well in the oven or microwave. Alternatively, you can store the individual ingredients in the fridge and assemble the quesadillas throughout the week, ensuring a fresh meal every time.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Meal
BBQ Pork Quesadillas are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary experience that brings families together. The slow-cooked pork is succulent and flavorful, while the quesadilla assembly offers a fun activity for kids. It’s a recipe that caters to both taste and convenience, perfect for any family looking to spice up their meal routine.
Enjoy your BBQ Pork Quesadillas!
