There is something magical about the combination of savory pork, creamy beans, and melted cheese. This recipe takes my favorite Spiced Pork and Easy Refried Beans to the next level by crisping them up in the oven. It is real food for real life that tastes like it took hours to make.
Why You Will Love These Pork Quesadillas
- Reduces Food Waste — It is the single best way to use up the rest of that pork shoulder.
- Oven Baked Convenience — No standing over a hot skillet flipping one quesadilla at a time.
- Kid Friendly — Mild flavors and melted cheese make this a hit with picky eaters.
- Fast Prep — Since the meat and beans are already cooked, assembly takes just minutes.
Ingredients for the Baked Spiced Pork Quesadillas
- Spiced Pork This provides the main protein and savory flavor. Using the leftover roast means the meat is already tender and seasoned.
- Easy Refried Beans These act as the "glue" that holds the meat and cheese in place while adding a creamy texture.
- Flour Tortillas 8-inch or 10-inch flour tortillas work best for this folding method. They crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Shredded Cheese Monterey Jack or Cheddar adds the necessary gooey factor and helps seal the tortilla edges.
- Avocado Oil Used for brushing the tops to ensure a golden-brown crunch without burning.
- Everything Sauce (Optional) Highly recommended for dipping to add a tangy, creamy finish.
How to Make the Oven Baked Quesadillas
- Prepare the Leftovers If you are using refrigerated Spiced Pork or Refried Beans, give them a quick 60-second zap in the microwave. This takes the chill off and ensures they are hot all the way through after the short baking time.
- Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Assemble the Base Lay your flour tortillas flat on the baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over one half of each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edge to prevent leaking.
- Add the Filling Top the beans with the spiced pork. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pork and beans.
- Fold and Brush Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently to seal it. Lightly brush the tops of the tortillas with avocado oil. This helps them achieve that golden, flaky texture.
- Bake to Melt Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 6 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the edges of the tortilla to turn golden brown. Serve immediately with a side of Everything Sauce.
Yes, absolutely. While the Spiced Pork recipe adds a unique depth of flavor, you can substitute any leftover shredded pork, carnitas, or even rotisserie chicken seasoned with a little cumin and chili powder.
The key is a hot oven and using a small amount of oil on the baking sheet. Also, be sure not to overload the tortilla with too many wet ingredients like salsa inside the fold. Save the salsa for dipping.
You want a cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack is fantastic for its creamy melt, but a sharp Cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully too. I recommend shredding your own cheese from a block for the smoothest texture.
These freeze surprisingly well. Assemble and bake them, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in a single layer. You can reheat them in an air fryer or oven to bring back the crunch.
Since we are baking at a high temperature (400°F) for a short time, you generally do not need to flip them if your baking sheet is hot. However, if you want extra browning on both sides, you can flip them halfway through the cooking time.
Another great family meal is my cheeseburger enchiladas recipe. Easy to make and your kids will love them!
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Recipe
Baked Spiced Pork Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 6-8 flour tortillas
- 1 recipe of spiced pork
- 1 recipe of easy refried beans
- 8-12 ounces of shredded cheese of your choice
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or other high heat oil
Method
- If you are using refrigerated Spiced Pork or Refried Beans, give them a quick 60-second zap in the microwave. This takes the chill off and ensures they are hot all the way through after the short baking time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Lay your flour tortillas flat on the baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of refried beans over one half of each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edge to prevent leaking.
- Top the beans with the spiced pork. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the pork and beans.
- Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently to seal it. Lightly brush the tops of the tortillas with avocado oil. This helps them achieve that golden, flaky texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 6 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the edges of the tortilla to turn golden brown. Serve immediately with a side of Everything Sauce.
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