Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

Smashburger quesadillas are a fun and flavorful twist on classic quesadillas, packed with juicy seasoned beef and melted cheese. They combine the best elements of a burger and a quesadilla for an easy, satisfying meal.

A close-up of two quesadilla halves stacked on a white plate with a few fries on the side. Each quesadilla has three visible layers: the soft, light golden toasted tortilla on the outside, a thick middle layer of cooked ground beef in a reddish sauce, and a generous top layer of melted light yellow cheese with some green herbs peeking through. The cheese is melted and slightly gooey, clinging to both the tortilla and the beef inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth underneath, and a bowl of salsa is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to season)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
  • Optional: pickles, diced onions, burger sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Press a small handful of ground beef directly onto one half of each tortilla. Season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Step 3: Cook the beef side down for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Flip the tortilla, sprinkle the cooked beef side with cheese, fold the tortilla in half, and continue grilling both sides until crispy and the cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: Slice the quesadillas and serve with your favorite burger toppings like pickles, diced onions, or burger sauce.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a cast iron skillet for even browning and extra crispiness.
  • Try mixing different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavor.
  • Add finely chopped jalapeños inside for a spicy kick.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover smashburger quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again, or use a microwave and then crisp them up in a hot pan to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a quesadilla cut in half and stacked on a round wooden plate, showing three main layers: the top and bottom layers are golden-brown grilled tortillas with a crispy texture; the middle layer is a thick, juicy brown beef patty; inside the quesadilla, there is bright orange melted cheddar cheese oozing around the beef, with small bits of green pickles and red tomato pieces scattered throughout. A small green parsley leaf rests on top for garnish. The background shows more quesadilla pieces blurred on white marbled surfaces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas without cooking and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. This makes them easy to prepare quickly when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of burger sauce?

If you don’t have burger sauce, try using ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, or a simple mix of mayo and your favorite hot sauce for a flavorful alternative.

Print

Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

Smashburger Quesadillas combine the savory flavors of juicy, seasoned ground beef with melted cheddar cheese inside crispy, golden flour tortillas. This quick and easy skillet recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a smashburger in a fun, handheld quesadilla form that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to season
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Pickles, sliced or chopped
  • Diced onions
  • Burger sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface for frying the quesadillas.
  2. Prepare the beef on tortillas: Take a small handful of the ground beef and press it directly onto one half of each flour tortilla. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
  3. Cook the beef side down: Place the skillet over heat and put the beef-topped tortillas beef-side down first. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the beef to brown and develop a flavorful crust.
  4. Flip and add cheese: Carefully flip the tortilla, so the beef side is up. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked beef half, then fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
  5. Grill until crispy and melty: Continue to cook the folded quesadilla for a few more minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
  6. Slice and serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet, slice into wedges, and serve hot. Optionally garnish with pickles, diced onions, and your favorite burger sauce for dipping or spreading.

Notes

  • Use a spatula to press the beef gently onto the tortilla to ensure it adheres well during cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences; adding a pinch of smoked paprika can add extra flavor.
  • For a crispier quesadilla, cook on a lightly buttered skillet or use a non-stick griddle.
  • Feel free to swap cheddar for American cheese or a blend for creamier melt.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; quesadillas lose crispiness upon standing.

Keywords: smashburger quesadillas, ground beef quesadilla, cheesy beef quesadilla, quick skillet quesadilla, easy dinner, American comfort food

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