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July 14, 2026Ground Pork Quesadilla
Whether as a satisfying meal or a delightful snack, these Ground Pork Quesadillas are a fusion of protein and spice that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Looking for other ways to use ground pork? Try our Ground Pork Tacos or Ground Pork Chili.
This recipe has two all-star ingredients in many kitchens: the tortilla and ground pork. These might seem like an unlikely pairing, but this is a family favorite recipe and can be kicked up a notch with a little spice.
Ground pork quesadillas are exactly what you want in a stand-alone dinner idea or as an after-school snack.
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To make dinner or snack time even easier, lay out the quesadilla fillings on the counter nearby as you brown the ground pork in a skillet. Line up the tortillas and customize each quesadilla individually.
Extra cheese, no cilantro, pile on the jalapeno, no problem! Let family members carefully calibrate the spice level of their quesadillas.
We also like to use ground pork to make breakfast casseroles for dinner, like our Croissant Breakfast Casserole with Ground Pork.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- ½ pound ground pork
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Four 10-inch flour tortillas
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Recipe Tips
- Cook quesadillas over medium heat to allow the tortilla to crisp up while the cheese melts.
- A non-stick pan or griddle best achieves that perfect golden-brown crust without sticking.
- Allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute after cooking. This makes it easier to slice without the fillings oozing out.
How to Make Pork Quesadillas
Step 1: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork with onion and garlic until browned. Drain off any drippings and remove to a bowl.
Step 2: Stir the cumin, oregano, jalapeno and cilantro into the pork mixture and set aside. Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel and place over medium heat.
Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Top with half of the ground pork mixture and half of the cheese.
Step 4: Place a second tortilla on top and press down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until nicely browned, pressing down occasionally with a spatula.
Step 5: Flip the quesadilla and brown the second side.
Step 6: Remove to a cutting board and cut into eight wedges. Serve with salsa and/or sour cream, if desired.
Ground Pork Quesadilla FAQs
What makes a quesadilla?
What makes a quesadilla a quesadilla is the use of a tortilla and cheese. Place the tortilla in a pan, then place the cheese on top and slowly melt.
Is a quesadilla folded or two tortillas?
In central and southern regions of Mexico, a quesadilla is often one tortilla warmed to soften it enough to be folded in half and then filled. The one tortilla method allows you to fill it with cheese and ingredients, then fold it into a half-moon shape.
What is quesadilla in English?
The basic translation to English is a tortilla filled with cheese and heated. The word quesadilla comes from the Spanish word queso, which means cheese.
How do you jazz up a quesadilla?
The options to level up your fillings are endless. Don’t have fresh jalapenos on hand? Try pickled jalapenos. Toss in crumbled chorizo, black beans, roasted poblano peppers, and even bacon. Complimentary dipping options to serve with quesadillas are as simple as your favorite salsa and sour cream.
Should I butter my quesadilla?
Butter vs. oil is the debate. Butter can be used in the pan before placing the tortilla in the heat, but remember a little can go a long way!
Too much butter can cause your quesadilla to turn out damp or floppy. Flour tortillas absorb oil, so use canola oil and lightly coat the pan if you go the oil route.
What to serve with ground pork quesadillas?
Ground pork quesadillas alone make a great meal! If you want to add side items to compliment this recipe, guacamole, refried black beans, and cilantro lime rice are all tasty dishes that can round out your meal.
Other Ground Pork Recipes to Try
These tender Air Fryer Pork Meatballs are made with ground pork, pork sausage, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Hot Tamale Casserole is a simple and easy casserole recipe with a cornmeal crust, ground pork and bean filling, and lots of cheese on top.
These easy-to-make Tasty Ground Pork Tacos combine ground pork, optional black beans, tomatoes, and simple spices to add a delicious twist to your traditional taco night.
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Ground Pork Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 4 10- inch flour tortillas
- 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook pork with onion and garlic until browned. Dain off any drippings and remove to a bowl.
- Stir the cumin, oregano, jalapeno and cilantro into the pork mixture and set aside.
- Wipe out skillet with paper towel and place over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in skillet. Top with half of the ground pork mixture and half of the cheese.
- Place a second tortilla on top and press down.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until nicely browned, pressing down occasionally with a spatula.
- Flip the quesadilla and brown the second side.
- Remove to a cutting board and cut into 8 wedges.
- Serve with salsa and/or sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- Cook quesadillas over medium heat to allow the tortilla to crisp up while the cheese melts.
- A non-stick pan or griddle best achieves that perfect golden-brown crust without sticking.
- Allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute after cooking. This makes it easier to slice without the fillings oozing out.
