Smashburger Quesadillas

There’s something downright magical about combining the concepts of a smashburger and a quesadilla. It’s like taking two beloved culinary creations and giving them a cozy hug. These Smashburger Quesadillas have it all—savory beef, gooey cheese, and that satisfying crunch that sets your taste buds to dance. The day I invented this dish was the day I realized I didn’t have to choose between tacos and burgers anymore. It brings out the kid in you while also satisfying your foodie soul, whether it’s a hectic weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, think of all those perfect crispy bites, just waiting to be dipped in your favorite burger sauce. Want a party in your mouth? Let’s dive in!

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, what makes these Smashburger Quesadillas so irresistible? For starters, they’re packed with juicy ground beef, seasoned to perfection with classic spices like garlic powder that echo the robust flavors of a classic smashburger. Imagine biting into that crispy tortilla, only to discover warm, melty cheese that pulls away in delicious strings. It’s comfort food that feels casual yet absolutely indulgent thanks to the layers of flavor coming together.

There’s also the beauty of customization! Want to throw in some pickles or onions for an extra zing? Go for it! Dipping sauce? You’ve got options galore. You can even make these ahead of time and store them away for busy weeknights. With this recipe in your back pocket, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating an experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.

• 1 lb Ground Beef: This is where the flavor begins. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for a perfect balance of juicy goodness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken will work too, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Use these to season the beef. It might seem basic, but don’t underestimate the power of seasoning! These spices work together harmoniously to elevate your beef to burger-status.
• 4 Large Flour Tortillas: They shouldn’t be too thick, as you want that nice, crispy finish when grilling. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas as a great alternative.
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar or American Cheese: I love cheddar for its sharpness, while American cheese melts beautifully. Go with your heart—or a blend of both for the ultimate gooeyness.
• Optional Add-ins: Diced onions? Pickles? A drizzle of burger sauce? Oh yes, please! These extras can turn your quesadilla from good to absolutely sublime.

Preparing Smashburger Quesadillas

Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have your quesadillas ready in no time.

1. Heat the Skillet: Begin by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create that delightful crust.

2. Prepare the Tortillas: Take a handful of your ground beef and press it directly onto one half of each tortilla. Don’t just sprinkle it—get in there and make it work!

3. Seasoning Time: Generously season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This is where your flavor starts to shine.

4. Cook the Beef: Place the tortilla beef-side down in the hot skillet. We’re talking 2-3 minutes until that beef gets a gorgeous golden brown. Flip it carefully; we want to keep all that lovely beef on the tortilla!

5. Cheese It Up: Once flipped, sprinkle your cheese atop the golden beef. The smell will get your mouth watering in seconds.

6. Fold and Grill: Fold the tortilla in half and continue grilling until both sides are crispy and the cheese is oozing with happiness.

7. Slice and Serve: Slice into wedges and serve immediately, accompanied by your favorite burgers toppings or a zesty dipping sauce.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you’ve made these beauties, here’s how to take it to the next level. First, serve those quesadillas hot, right off the skillet, for that unbeatable crisp. Pair them with fresh toppings—think diced onions, tangy pickles, or a dollop of creamy burger sauce. And let’s not forget about sides! Sweet potato fries, a crunchy slaw, or a zesty salad can round out your meal. You can also create a quesadilla bar with bowls of all your favorite toppings, so your guests can customize to their heart’s delight.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep them fresher for longer, store your quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dig in, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. Crispy goodness takes a little effort, but trust me, it’s worth it! You can also freeze ungrilled quesadillas; just flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then store them wrapped in foil or in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, it’s simple—cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your grill time.

Extra tips and advice

Here are a few pointers to ensure your Smashburger Quesadillas turn out flawlessly:

• If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked ground beef is a game changer. Just season it well and skip right to the grilling.
• Toasting your spices briefly in the pan before adding the beef really enhances their flavor. A little step that makes a big difference—you’re welcome!
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Consider going international with taco seasoning or chili powder for a spicy twist that leaves your taste buds tingling.

Recipe variations

Let’s get creative! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Smoky BBQ Variation: Mix in some barbecue sauce with your ground beef for a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for black beans or sautéed veggies for a meat-free delight.
• Cheese Explosion: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick of heat, or even go gourmet with a mix of Gruyère and fontina.
• Asian Twist: Use ground pork and add hoisin sauce, scallions, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired treat.

Ingredients list

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
• Optional: pickles, diced onions, burger sauce

Directions to follow

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Press a handful of ground beef onto one half of each tortilla. Season well.
3. Cook beef side down for 2-3 minutes until browned.
4. Flip, sprinkle with cheese, fold in half, and grill both sides until crispy and melty.
5. Slice and serve with your favorite burger toppings or dipping sauce.

Your questions answered

• How long does it take to prepare? About 10-15 minutes, depending on your cooking skills.
• Can I use chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Just remember that poultry needs to be cooked through, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Definitely! You can prep these in advance and grill them fresh when needed.
• What dipping sauce works best? A tangy burger sauce or a creamy ranch dressing pairs beautifully!
• Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, just swap the beef for another protein or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.

To wrap it all up, this recipe captures the heart of comfort food beautifully while allowing for creativity. There’s a world of flavors just waiting for you. Gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and whip up these Smashburger Quesadillas. Don’t forget to share your crispy creations in the comments—I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures in the kitchen!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Smashburger Quesadillas

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 15 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Description

These Smashburger Quesadillas combine savory beef, gooey cheese, and a satisfying crunch, creating a perfect fusion of flavors that will bring out the kid in you while satisfying your foodie soul.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (Use an 80/20 blend for best flavor)
• 4 large flour tortillas (Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or American for best results)
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• optional toppings (Pickles, diced onions, or burger sauce)

Directions

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the Skillet

   Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
   Make sure the skillet is hot enough for a good crust.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare the Tortillas

   Press a handful of ground beef onto one half of each tortilla.
   Ensure the beef is evenly distributed.
   Mark as complete

3. Season the Beef

   Generously season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook the Beef

   Place the tortilla beef-side down in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
   Flip carefully to keep the beef on the tortilla.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Cheese

   Sprinkle cheese on the golden beef before folding the tortilla.
   Let the cheese melt while grilling.
   Mark as complete

6. Fold and Grill

   Fold the tortilla in half and grill until both sides are crispy.
   Mark as complete

7. Slice and Serve

   Slice into wedges and serve hot with toppings or dipping sauce.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28g44%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 26g52%

---

Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: quesadilla, smashburger, beef, cheese, easy recipe