Leftover BBQ Quesadillas – The Tastiest Way to Reinvent Dinner

If your fridge is holding onto last night’s barbecue treasures, don’t let them go to waste. These Leftover BBQ Quesadillas are the perfect way to breathe new life into smoky meats, turning them into a melty, cheesy, golden-crisp meal that’s ready in minutes. Quesadillas are already a comfort food staple, but when you add BBQ flavors, you’ve got a dish that’s both clever and downright irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zero waste cooking – no BBQ leftovers forgotten in the fridge.

• Quick and easy – dinner on the table in under 15 minutes.

• Totally flexible – works with brisket, chicken, lamb, ribs, or even grilled veggies.

• Family-friendly – crispy outside, gooey inside, with smoky BBQ flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 4 medium flour tortillas

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)

• 1–1 ½ cups leftover BBQ meat (shredded chicken, beef, lamb, or pork)

• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (optional, but highly recommended)

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (or use caramelized onions for extra flavor)

• ½ cup extras of choice: corn, beans, sliced peppers, or jalapeños

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil for cooking

To serve: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Prep the meat – Chop or shred your leftover BBQ meat into bite-sized pieces. If it’s a little dry, toss it with a spoonful of BBQ sauce to bring back the moisture.

2. Heat the pan – Place a skillet on medium heat and add a little butter or oil.

3. Assemble – Lay one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, then layer on BBQ meat, onions, and any extras you like. Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce if you’re feeling bold, then scatter on more cheese. Top with another tortilla.

4. Cook – Let the quesadilla cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes.

5. Slice and serve – Remove from the pan, let it rest for one minute (so the cheese doesn’t gush everywhere), then slice into wedges. Serve with your favorite dips.

Tips & Variations

• One-tortilla method: Fold one tortilla over the fillings instead of stacking two—it’s easier to flip and just as tasty.

• Cheese choice: Use a melty cheese as the base, but add a punchy one like smoked gouda or feta for extra depth.

• Veggie-friendly: Leftover grilled peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make amazing add-ins for a vegetarian twist.

• Make it spicy: Add pickled jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce before cooking.

Final Bite

These leftover BBQ quesadillas are proof that yesterday’s feast can become today’s quick-fix dinner—or even a late-night snack worth staying up for. Crispy, cheesy, smoky, and just messy enough to make them fun, they’ll quickly become your new favorite way to deal with extra BBQ.