She Strengthens

Spicy Pork Quesadillas with a Smoky Twist

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe, inspired by Rachael Ray’s culinary expertise. The star of the show? Smoky chipotle chiles that add a depth of flavor to these spicy pork quesadillas.

Before You Begin

Take a few minutes to prepare a batch of Tomatillo Salsa, the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort!

Servings and Prep Time

This recipe yields 4 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, with 30 minutes of active cooking time.

The Essential Ingredients

• 2 boneless pork chops (12 oz total)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra leaves for garnishing
• 8 medium flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• Cotija cheese, crumbled (for garnishing)
• Avocado (for garnishing)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned, flipping halfway through.

The Flavorful Filling

In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. Stir in the diced tomatoes, garlic, chipotle, and cumin, cooking until the mixture thickens.

Assemble and Bake

Heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush one side of each tortilla with the remaining olive oil. Cook the tortillas oiled side down until grill marks form, then arrange them grilled side down on a baking sheet. Divide the pork mixture among the tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and top with the remaining tortillas, grilled side up. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The Finishing Touches

Cut the quesadillas into wedges and top with cilantro leaves, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a dollop of Tomatillo Salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, smoky flavors of these incredible pork quesadillas!