Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

Smashburger quesadillas are a fun and tasty twist on classic quesadillas, combining the savory flavors of ground beef with melty cheese and crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, they bring the best of burgers and Mexican comfort food together in one bite.

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: Place the beef side down on the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned.
4. Step 4: Flip the tortilla over, sprinkle the cooked beef with cheese, then fold the tortilla in half. Grill both sides until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese has melted, about 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Step 5: Slice into wedges and serve warm with your favorite burger toppings or dipping sauce like pickles, diced onions, or burger sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika into the ground beef before cooking.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty twist.
• Try corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though they may be less sturdy when folding.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the outside crispy, or use a microwave briefly but expect a softer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the ground beef separately before assembling the quesadillas?

Yes, cooking the beef separately allows for even seasoning and easier control over doneness, but pressing it directly onto the tortilla creates the signature “smash” flavor and texture.

What type of cheese works best for these quesadillas?

Cheddar and American cheese melt well and provide classic burger flavors. You can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend depending on your taste preference.

Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

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4.8 from 132 reviews

This Smashburger Quesadilla recipe combines the juicy, seasoned flavor of smashburger-style ground beef with melty cheese inside a crispy tortilla, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that merges the best of burgers and quesadillas.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

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

Quesadilla

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

Optional Toppings and Sauces

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the skillet or griddle: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot enough to sear the meat effectively.
2. Press and season the beef: Take a small handful of ground beef and press it flat directly onto one half of each tortilla. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Cook the beef side: Place the tortillas beef side down on the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the meat to brown and develop a flavorful crust.
4. Flip and add cheese: Flip the quesadilla over, sprinkle the cooked beef side with shredded cheddar or American cheese, then fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
5. Grill until crispy and melty: Continue cooking both sides of the folded quesadilla until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese inside is melted, flipping as necessary to prevent burning.
6. Slice and serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet, slice into wedges, and serve hot with optional pickles, diced onions, and your favorite burger sauce for dipping.

Notes

• You can use either cheddar or American cheese based on your preference for melty texture or sharpness.
• Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the quesadillas to get a nice sear on the beef and a crispy tortilla.
• Feel free to customize with other burger toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or jalapenos inside or on the side.
• Use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadillas to prevent breaking the tortilla.
• This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot to preserve the melty cheese texture.

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