Introduction

Smashburger quesadillas are a fun and flavorful twist on classic quesadillas, combining the juicy goodness of a smashed burger with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual snack, they bring together the best of both worlds in every bite.

A stack of three triangular quesadilla slices is shown on a dark wooden board. Each slice has a golden-brown toasted flour tortilla on the top and bottom, with a slightly charred texture. Between the tortillas, there are two thick layers of cooked ground beef mixed with small bits of green jalapeños and melted cheese in bright yellow and light orange colors, oozing slightly at the edges. Small green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top and around the quesadilla slices. In the background, blurry red cherry tomatoes and white small bowls with sliced lemons and coarse salt sit on a white marbled surface. 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

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

Tips & Variations

Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned griddle to prevent the quesadillas from sticking and ensure even crisping.
Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms inside for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar or American cheese for pepper jack if you like a little heat.
For a lighter option, use whole wheat tortillas or lean ground beef.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again, or microwave briefly and then crisp in a hot pan.

How to Serve

A stack of three folded quesadilla slices is shown on a dark wooden board, each slice with a top and bottom white tortilla layer that is golden brown and slightly crispy with grill marks; between these layers, there is a thick filling made of melted orange cheddar cheese mixed with browned ground beef and small bits of green jalapeño, all richly packed to the edges. Small pieces of chopped green cilantro are sprinkled on top of the quesadillas and scattered around the board. In the blurred background, there are small bowls and whole red cherry tomatoes on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

You can assemble the quesadillas ahead but it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal crispness and melty cheese.

What can I use instead of burger sauce?

You can substitute burger sauce with ketchup, mustard, mayo, or a simple ranch or BBQ sauce depending on your taste preference.

Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

These Smashburger Quesadillas combine the juicy, seasoned flavor of classic smashburger beef with crispy, cheesy tortillas for a fun and satisfying twist on dinner or snack time. Quick to prepare on the stovetop, they deliver melty cheese, savory beef, and crispy edges in every bite, ideal for burger lovers seeking a creative handheld meal.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
Category: Lunch/Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 lb ground beef
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste

Quesadilla Assembly

4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese

Optional Toppings

Pickles, sliced
Diced onions
Burger sauce

Instructions

Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the quesadillas.
Season and Press Beef: Take a small handful of ground beef and press it directly onto one half of each large flour tortilla. Season the meat generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for optimal flavor.
Cook Beef Side: Place the tortillas beef side down on the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the beef to brown and cook through.
Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the quesadilla so the beef is on top. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked beef, then fold the tortilla in half to encase the filling.
Grill Both Sides: Continue grilling the folded quesadilla on both sides until the outside is crispy and golden, and the cheese has melted thoroughly, about 2 minutes per side.
Serve: Slice the quesadillas into portions and serve hot with optional toppings such as pickles, diced onions, or your favorite burger sauce for dipping.

Notes

Press the beef firmly for thinner, crispier meat that mimics a smashburger patty.
Use a spatula to help flip the tortillas without spilling the contents.
Feel free to substitute the cheddar or American cheese with your preferred melting cheese.
These quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh to keep the crispy texture.
For a spicier version, add a sprinkle of chili powder or hot sauce to the beef before cooking.

Keywords: smashburger quesadilla, ground beef quesadilla, cheesy quesadilla, quick dinner, easy lunch, skillet quesadillas