Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
Introduction
Smashburger quesadillas combine the best of two favorites—juicy, seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a deliciously melty, savory treat in every 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
- 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 well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: Place the beef-side down on the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned.
- Step 4: Flip the tortilla, sprinkle the cooked beef with shredded cheese, then fold the tortilla in half. Grill both sides until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Slice the quesadillas and serve immediately with optional pickles, diced onions, and burger sauce for added flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try mixing diced onions or jalapeños into the ground beef before cooking.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Swap flour tortillas for whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a different texture and added nutrients.
- To save time, cook the beef in advance and assemble quesadillas when ready to eat.
Storage
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or use a microwave for 30-60 seconds if short on time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and season well for flavor.
How can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with cooked beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
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Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serving 4 people) 1x
Description
Smashburger Quesadillas offer a delightful fusion of crispy, cheesy quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Featuring a crunchy exterior and melty cheese interior, this recipe combines classic burger flavors with a fun Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
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 and Serving
- Pickles, sliced or diced
- Diced onions
- Burger sauce or preferred dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the meat and toast the tortillas properly.
- Prepare the Beef on Tortilla: Take a small handful of ground beef and press it directly onto one half of each large flour tortilla. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Beef Side: Place the tortilla beef-side down on the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the beef to brown and crisp up while the tortilla starts to toast.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip the quesadilla so the tortilla is now bottom side down. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked beef, then fold the tortilla in half, encasing the beef and cheese inside.
- Grill Until Crispy and Melty: Continue cooking, flipping as needed, until both sides of the quesadilla are golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet, slice into wedges, and serve hot. Accompany with optional burger toppings such as pickles, diced onions, and your favorite burger sauce or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use freshly ground seasoning to enhance the flavor of the beef.
- For extra crispiness, use a little oil or butter on the skillet before cooking.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with your preferred melting cheese blend.
- To keep quesadillas warm before serving, wrap them in foil and place in a low oven.
- Leftover quesadillas reheat well in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smashburger, quesadillas, ground beef, cheesy quesadilla, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Tex-Mex fusion
