Pork Butt Dinner 4 Crispy Pork Quesadillas

Pork Butt Dinner 4 Crispy Pork Quesadillas is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 410 calories per serving. Recipe by benjamins.kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 39 min

Cost: $14.24 total, $3.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Leftover Pork (shredded, from crock‑pot, stored in Pyrex)
  • 7 pieces Tomatillos (husks removed, rinsed)
  • 0.25 onion White Onion (quarter, peeled)
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled)
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for searing)
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium, divided (1/4 cup for deglazing, 1/4 cup for blending))
  • 0.25 bunch Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped, stems included)
  • 1 cup Oaxaca Cheese (shredded, Cacique brand preferred)
  • 4 pieces Flour Tortillas (Mi Nana's brand, 8‑inch, for quesadillas)
  • 0.5 cup Guacamole (optional) (leftover, for serving)
  • 0.5 cup Pico de Gallo (optional) (leftover, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Shred the leftover pork

    Remove the pork from the Pyrex container and use two forks or your hands to pull it apart into fine shreds.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Char the tomatillos, onion, and garlic

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (or set the air fryer to 400°F). Spread the tomatillos, quartered white onion, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet and roast until the skins are blackened and the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  3. Steam the roasted vegetables

    Transfer the hot vegetables to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them sit for 5 minutes. The steam will soften them further and release more flavor.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Blend the tomatillo sauce

    Add the steamed tomatillos, onion, garlic, 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water), and 1/4 bunch cilantro to a blender. Blend until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sear the shredded pork

    Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and spread it to coat the bottom. Add the shredded pork and sear for about 2 minutes, just to get a light crust.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Deglaze the pan

    Pour 1/4 cup chicken (or pork/vegetable) broth into the pan, scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom with a wooden spoon.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Braise the pork in tomatillo sauce

    Stir in the blended tomatillo sauce, reduce heat to medium, and let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork absorbs the flavors.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Shred the Oaxaca cheese

    While the pork braises, shred the Oaxaca cheese using a cheese shredder.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Assemble and cook the quesadillas

    Wipe the skillet clean, add a thin drizzle of oil, and heat over medium‑high. Place one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, add a generous spoonful of the pork‑tomatillo mixture, top with more cheese, then fold the tortilla in half. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

    Time: PT6M

  10. Test crispiness and serve

    Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and slice it in half with a sharp knife to check that the interior is molten and the exterior is crisp. Serve immediately with optional guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, or pickled red onions.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
410
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
18g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be made dairy‑free by omitting cheese or using a vegan cheese

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: March 18, 2026

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Pork Butt Dinner 4 Crispy Pork Quesadillas

Recipe by benjamins.kitchen

Quick and flavorful quesadillas made with leftover crock‑pot pork braised in a smoky tomatillo sauce, shredded Oaxaca cheese, and warm flour tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a fast family dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.24
Total cost
$3.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Char the tomatillos, onion, and garlic until blackened.
  • Deglaze the pan and scrape up the fond.
  • Braise the pork in the tomatillo sauce for full flavor absorption.
  • Cook the quesadilla on medium‑high heat until both sides are golden and crispy.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and a hot skillet with care to avoid burns.
  • Steam from the covered bowl can cause scalds; lift the wrap away from your face.
  • Blend hot ingredients only after they have cooled slightly; vent the blender lid to prevent pressure buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pork quesadillas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Quesadillas originated in central Mexico as simple corn‑tortilla snacks filled with cheese. Over time, regional variations added meats, vegetables, and sauces, turning them into hearty meals. Pork quesadillas reflect the Mexican tradition of using leftover meats to create flavorful, fast dishes.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of quesadillas in Mexico?

A

In Oaxaca, quesadillas are often made with stretchy Oaxaca cheese and may include chorizo or mushrooms. In northern Mexico, flour tortillas are common and fillings can include beef or pork with salsa verde. Each region adapts the basic concept to local ingredients.

cultural
Q

How is a tomatillo‑based sauce traditionally served in Mexican cuisine?

A

Tomatillo sauces, known as salsa verde, are a staple in Mexican cooking. They are served fresh with tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats, or cooked down to a thicker braising liquid like in this pork quesadilla recipe.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are pork quesadillas traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Quesadillas are popular street‑food snacks and are often served at family gatherings, festivals, and casual meals. Using leftover pork makes them a perfect quick‑serve option after larger celebrations such as birthdays or holidays.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Mexican tomatillo sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic tomatillo sauce uses fresh tomatillos, white onion, garlic, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño or serrano pepper for heat. Substitutes can include green tomatoes for tomatillos or lime juice for acidity, but the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with these tomatillo braised pork quesadillas?

A

Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple green salad, or a side of fresh guacamole. A cold cerveza or agua fresca makes a refreshing beverage pairing.

cultural
Q

How does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen specialize in cooking content?

A

The YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen focuses on fast, family‑friendly meals using everyday ingredients and leftovers. The host emphasizes practical tips, minimal equipment, and clear step‑by‑step demonstrations for home cooks.

channel
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making tomatillo braised pork quesadillas?

A

Common errors include under‑charing the tomatillos (resulting in a bland sauce), not deglazing the pan (losing fond flavor), and cooking the quesadilla on too low heat, which prevents crispness. Follow the critical steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe deglaze the pan with broth instead of water?

A

Broth adds savory depth and helps lift the caramelized fond from the pan, enriching the braising sauce. Water would dilute the flavor and miss the umami boost that broth provides.

technical
Q

Can I make the tomatillo sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; reheat gently on the stove before adding to the pork. It also freezes well for up to two months.

technical

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