Smashburger Quesadillas – Crispy, Cheesy Recipe
Smashburger Quesadillas are a deliciously crispy and cheesy fusion dish combining the juicy flavors of smashed ground beef with melty cheese inside warm, golden tortillas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, these quesadillas bring the best of classic smashburger flavors in an easy-to-make handheld form with optional toppings and sauces to customize your bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
Quesadilla
- 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)
- 8 slices American, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese (or 2 cups shredded)
Optional Toppings & Sauces
- Caramelized onions
- Sliced pickles
- Jalapeños
- Smash sauce
- Chipotle mayo
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently but thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings without overworking the meat to maintain juiciness.
- Cook the Burger Meat: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide the beef into smaller portions and smash them flat directly onto the hot surface to create thin patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay one flour tortilla flat and evenly place the cooked smashed beef patties on one half. Top with two slices of your chosen cheese or a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add optional toppings like caramelized onions, sliced pickles, or jalapeños if desired. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean, then return to medium heat. Place the assembled quesadilla on the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly. Press down gently with a spatula to help it crisp evenly.
- Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with optional smash sauce, chipotle mayo, ketchup, or mustard on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Smashing the burger patties thin helps achieve a crispy edge and fast cooking.
- Feel free to substitute cheese with your favorite melting variety.
- Add toppings after cooking the beef for best texture.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for easier cooking and crisping.
- Customize sauces to add extra flavor layers.
Keywords: smashburger quesadillas, crispy quesadillas, cheesy quesadilla recipe, ground beef quesadilla, quick dinner, easy skillet recipe
