SMASHBURGER QUESADILLAS: AMAZING RECIPE

I still remember the day my college roommate, bless her heart, tried to make quesadillas for the first time and managed to set off the smoke alarm; thankfully, those weren’t Chicken Quesadillas! Ever since then, I’ve been on a quest to perfect the art of the quesadilla, and let me tell you, this Smashburger Quesadillas recipe is a game-changer. I promise you’ll be biting into a cheesy, beefy, flavor explosion in no time!

Smashburger Quesadillas: The Ultimate Fusion Food

Okay, friend, let’s talk about something truly amazing: Smashburger Quesadillas. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary adventure where the classic American smashburger meets the beloved Mexican quesadilla. Think juicy, caramelized beef, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings all snuggled between crispy tortillas. Sounds good, right? It is!

Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Seriously, these come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a spontaneous craving.
• Customizable: Load them up with your favorite burger toppings. The possibilities are endless!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good burger and everyone loves a good quesadilla. Combine them and you’ve got a guaranteed win.
• Satisfying: These are packed with flavor and will definitely satisfy your hunger.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list. Most of these are pantry staples, and you can easily adapt them to your liking.

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef is perfect for that juicy, flavorful smashburger. You can use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but remember that some fat is essential for flavor and good caramelization.
• Tortillas: Large, burrito-size flour tortillas are the way to go. They provide plenty of surface area for smashing and folding.
• Cheese: A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack is my go-to, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Pepper jack for a kick? Absolutely!
• Onion: Thinly sliced white or yellow onion, for that classic burger flavor.
• Pickles: Dill pickle chips, because every good burger needs pickles!
• Burger Sauce: We’ll make a simple burger sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and a touch of pickle relish.
• Oil: A little bit of vegetable or canola oil for cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the beef, of course!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Cheese: Try using provolone, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Toppings: Get creative! Add bacon, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, jalapenos, or caramelized onions.
• Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger sauce or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
• Tortillas: You can use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option. Corn tortillas are not recommended as they are more likely to break.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Smash to Quesadilla

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying your Smashburger Quesadillas in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Set aside. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Some people add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball. Don’t overwork the beef, or it will become tough.

Step 3: Smash the Burgers

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Place two tortillas in the skillet. Place a ball of ground beef on each tortilla. Using a spatula (preferably a sturdy metal one) or a burger press, firmly smash the beef ball as thin as possible. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place sliced onions on top of the smashed beef. Allow the beef to cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and crispy.

Pro Tip: The key to a good smashburger is a thin patty with crispy edges. Don’t be afraid to really smash it down!

Step 4: Flip and Cheese

Carefully flip the beef patties with the spatula. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over each patty. Let the cheese melt for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Assemble the Quesadillas

Remove the tortillas with the cheesy smashburgers from the skillet. Spread a generous amount of burger sauce over one half of the tortilla. Arrange pickle chips over the sauce. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a quesadilla. Place the quesadilla back in the skillet (or use a clean skillet) over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with the remaining beef and tortillas.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your tortillas are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the Smashburger Quesadillas from the skillet. Let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious bite!

Serving Suggestions

These Smashburger Quesadillas are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some serving suggestions:

• Fries: Classic french fries, sweet potato fries, or even curly fries are a perfect side.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
• Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings are another great burger companion.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element.
• Chips and Dip: Serve with your favorite chips and a creamy dip like guacamole or salsa.

Tips for the Perfect Smashburger Quesadilla

Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve Smashburger Quesadilla perfection:

• Use high heat: This is crucial for getting that crispy, caramelized crust on the beef.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the burgers in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Use a sturdy spatula: A thin, flexible spatula will make it difficult to smash the burgers properly.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different cheeses, toppings, and sauces to create your own signature Smashburger Quesadilla.
• Press down on the quesadilla as it cooks: This will help the cheese melt evenly and the tortilla get crispy.

Other Delicious Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of ground beef recipes, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious options:

• Mexican Shredded Beef: Perfect for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
• Crack Burgers: These burgers are so addictive, you won’t be able to stop eating them!
• Taco Casserole: A quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor.
• Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks: A delicious twist on a classic sandwich.
• Garlic Butter Beef Cheeseburger Rollups: These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties or appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: You can prepare the burger sauce and slice the onions ahead of time. You can also cook the beef patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to assemble the quesadillas, simply reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave.

Storage: Leftover Smashburger Quesadillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet, oven, or microwave. They may not be as crispy as when they were freshly made, but they’ll still be delicious.

Smashburger Quesadillas: Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

Smashburger Quesadillas

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced white or yellow onion
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish to make the burger sauce. Set aside.
2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Place two tortillas in the skillet. Place a ball of ground beef on each tortilla. Using a spatula, firmly smash the beef ball as thin as possible. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place sliced onions on top of the smashed beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and crispy.
4. Carefully flip the beef patties with the spatula. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over each patty. Let the cheese melt for about 1 minute.
5. Remove the tortillas with the cheesy smashburgers from the skillet. Spread a generous amount of burger sauce over one half of the tortilla. Arrange pickle chips over the sauce. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a quesadilla.
6. Place the quesadilla back in the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with the remaining beef and tortillas.
7. Remove the Smashburger Quesadillas from the skillet. Let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Smashburger Quesadillas! I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and sauces to create your own unique version. Happy cooking, and I’ll catch you in the next recipe!

Smashburger Quesadillas

These Smashburger Quesadillas are a culinary fusion of the classic American smashburger and the beloved Mexican quesadilla. Juicy, caramelized beef, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings are all nestled between crispy tortillas for a quick and customizable meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced white or yellow onion
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or griddle
• small bowl
• whisk
• Spatula (sturdy metal)
• Burger press (optional)
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish to make the burger sauce. Set aside.
2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball.
3. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Place two tortillas in the skillet. Place a ball of ground beef on each tortilla. Using a spatula, firmly smash the beef ball as thin as possible. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place sliced onions on top of the smashed beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges are nicely browned and crispy.
4. Carefully flip the beef patties with the spatula. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheese over each patty. Let the cheese melt for about 1 minute.
5. Remove the tortillas with the cheesy smashburgers from the skillet. Spread a generous amount of burger sauce over one half of the tortilla. Arrange pickle chips over the sauce. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a quesadilla.
6. Place the quesadilla back in the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with the remaining beef and tortillas.
7. Remove the Smashburger Quesadillas from the skillet. Let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier burger sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use high heat for a crispy, caramelized crust on the beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the burgers in batches. Leftover quesadillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave. You can prepare the burger sauce and slice the onions ahead of time. You can also cook the beef patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.