Hey y’all! If you crave melty cheese, juicy beef, and golden crispy tortillas, these Smashburger Quesadillas are about to become your new favorite recipe. They’re everything you love about a classic smashburger — savory beef, gooey cheese, and all the fixings — smashed inside perfectly toasted tortillas. This dish works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or fun family meal. Ready for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing bite? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes for any busy night.
- Combines the best of burgers and quesadillas for a truly decadent treat.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses, toppings, and sauces.
- Perfectly crispy outside with juicy, cheesy goodness inside.
- Fun, interactive meal that’s sure to be a hit with all ages.
Smashburger Quesadillas Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciest results)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (see this simple recipe)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for crisping
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Filling
- In a bowl, combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently, avoiding overworking the meat.
Step 2: Smash and Brown the Beef
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Divide beef into 8 equal balls.
- Working in batches, place each beef ball onto the skillet and flatten with a spatula or burger press until very thin (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until well-browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
- Lay out 4 tortillas. Spread a thin layer of burger sauce on each.
- Top with a handful of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, a smashed beef patty, pickles, onions, and more cheese.
- Place a second tortilla on top. Press down gently to seal.
Step 4: Cook the Smashburger Quesadillas
- Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Add half the butter and swirl to coat.
- Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until tortillas are golden and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining butter and quesadillas.
- Let rest 2 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving warm.
Notes & Cooking Tips for Smashburger Quesadillas
- For extra crispiness, brush tortillas with melted butter before cooking.
- Try a different melty cheese like pepper jack for a touch of heat. Check this cheese guide for more ideas.
- A cast iron skillet works well for smashing and evenly browning the beef; learn about cast iron care here.
Smashburger Quesadillas Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and drizzle with hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumble or roasted mushrooms.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Add cooked bacon, pico de gallo, and use chipotle mayo as your sauce.
Required Equipment for Smashburger Quesadillas
- Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
- Burger press or sturdy spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Leftover Smashburger Quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. Freezing is not recommended, as tortillas may become soggy after thawing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Smashburger Quesadillas
- Serve alongside crispy oven-baked fries or homemade sweet potato wedges.
- Pair with a refreshing salad, coleslaw, or classic pickles.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli.
Pro Tips for the Best Smashburger Quesadillas
- Use 80/20 ground beef for perfectly juicy, flavorful patties (learn more here).
- Don’t overstuff your quesadilla — it makes flipping and melting the cheese harder.
- Let quesadillas rest a minute after cooking for easier slicing and less cheese spillage.
FAQ: Smashburger Quesadillas
- Can I make Smashburger Quesadillas ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the beef and toppings ahead. Assemble and cook fresh for the crispiest results.
- What type of tortilla works best?
- Use small flour tortillas for the right texture and easy folding; avoid corn tortillas as they tend to break.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version—just decrease cook time by a minute or two.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, season the ground beef with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently to combine.
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2Divide the beef into 8 equal portions and shape each into a loose ball. On a hot, lightly oiled skillet or griddle, place each beef ball and smash flat using a spatula.
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3Cook the smashed patties for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and browned. Set aside.
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4Lay 4 tortillas flat and sprinkle each with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, some diced red onion, and a cooked beef patty. Top with remaining cheese and cover with the other tortillas.
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5Heat a clean skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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6Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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