Carnitas Quesadillas
Carnitas Quesadillas are a beloved Mexican and Tex-Mex fusion dish featuring slow-cooked, shredded pork (carnitas) melted between two flour tortillas with generous amounts of cheese. The dish typically includes tender, crispy-edged pork, melted Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, and often onions and cilantro, sometimes served with salsa or guacamole on the side. It originated as a creative way to use leftover carnitas, combining the rich flavors of Michoán-style pork with the simplicity of a quesadilla.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the pork and cheese, and also contains significant fat from both the cheese and the traditional cooking method for carnitas, which involves braising in lard or oil. A single large quesadilla can range from 500 to 800 calories, providing a good source of B vitamins and iron from the meat, along with calcium from the cheese.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Zinc | 3.5 mg |
Per 1 quesadilla (approx. 180 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents the practical and delicious evolution of Mexican cuisine, where leftovers are transformed into new, satisfying meals. Nutritionally, the combination of protein and fat makes it very satiating, though the traditional preparation method is notably higher in fat than many other pork dishes.
