Name: Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Garlic powder, to taste; 4 large flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese; Pickles, sliced; Diced onions; Burger sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 46 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brilliantly combines the juicy satisfaction of a burger with the melty comfort of a quesadilla, you are going to adore this Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe. This fun and easy-to-make treat takes simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and transforms them into a crispy, cheesy delight packed with seasoned ground beef and the warmth of melted cheddar. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or an impressive snack to share with friends, hitting all the right notes from texture to flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two baking sheets on a white marbled surface. The left tray has several white bowls and plates with different ingredients arranged neatly: shredded green lettuce in a metal bowl, three slices of yellow cheese stacked, a stack of round hamburger buns on a white plate, a bowl of chopped white onions, a bowl of sliced green pickles, and three smaller bowls with different sauces—white mayonnaise, red ketchup, and yellow mustard. The right tray holds four evenly spaced small balls of pink raw ground beef placed on parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients might seem modest, but each one plays a key role in building the irresistible character of these Smashburger Quesadillas. From the hearty ground beef to the stretchy cheese and soft tortillas, every element adds its own layer of yum.

1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or slightly marbled meat to get juicy, flavorful bites without too much grease.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder: These simple seasonings bring out the rich, savory notes in the beef perfectly.
4 large flour tortillas: Soft yet sturdy, they hold the filling together and crisp up beautifully when grilled.
1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese: Your choice of cheese adds creaminess and that melt-in-your-mouth goodness everyone loves.
Optional toppings: Pickles, diced onions, and burger sauce can elevate your quesadillas with refreshing crunch and tangy delights.

How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Begin by warming up a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. A hot surface will give your quesadillas the ideal sear, contributing to that crave-worthy crispness on the outside while sealing in the juicy beef on the inside.

Step 2: Shape and Season the Beef

Take a small handful of the ground beef and press it flat onto one half of each flour tortilla. Don’t be shy about seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder — these spices form the flavor foundation that makes the Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe so satisfying.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Side Down

Place the beef-side of the tortilla down on your hot skillet and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step is crucial because it forms a nice crust and cooks the beef thoroughly, locking in those juices.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Fold

Flip the tortilla carefully, then quickly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cooked beef. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to encourage the cheese to melt as everything grills together. Cook each side until crispy and the cheese bubbles with ooey-gooey perfection.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once you have a crispy, melty quesadilla, slice it into wedges that are easy to grab and share. Serve the Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe with your favorite burger fixings or a dipping sauce like tangy burger sauce to add a fresh burst of flavor.

How to Serve Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

The image shows a stack of three toasted quesadilla slices arranged on a wooden board. Each slice has two layers of a slightly browned white tortilla with a filling in between. The filling contains finely ground brown meat mixed with melted orange-yellow cheese and small pieces of green jalapeño peppers. Bits of chopped green cilantro are scattered over the quesadillas and around the board. In the blurred background, there are small bowls with sliced jalapeños and white sauce, and two red tomatoes on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few thoughtful garnishes can turn your quesadillas from simple to spectacular. Fresh diced onions add a bit of sharp crunch, while sliced pickles bring that classic burger tanginess that perfectly complements the rich beef. A drizzle of burger sauce or a dollop of sour cream can balance the toastiness with creamy brightness.

Side Dishes

When serving Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe, consider pairing them with crispy fries or a crisp green salad. The lightness of fresh greens with a zesty dressing works wonderfully against the hearty nature of the quesadillas, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family meal, arrange the quesadillas on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of burger sauce, chunky salsa, and guacamole. You can also keep it casual by wrapping each quesadilla wedge in parchment for easy handheld eating that’s perfect for movie nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavor and texture well when properly cooled.

Freezing

Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe also freeze well if you want to prep in advance. Wrap individual quesadilla slices tightly in plastic wrap and keep in a freezer bag. When frozen, they stay good for about 1 to 2 months without losing much taste or texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover quesadillas is in a skillet over medium heat. This brings back their crisp exterior while gently melting the cheese inside. Avoid microwaving which can make the tortillas soggy and the cheese unevenly melted.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives. Just season them well and cook thoroughly, keeping in mind they may cook a bit faster than beef.

What type of cheese works best for Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe?

Cheddar and American cheese are classic choices for their excellent melting properties and flavor. However, a blend of Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice creamy kick if you want to experiment.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a seasoned veggie crumble to keep the filling hearty and flavorful while making it vegetarian-friendly.

How spicy is the Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe?

The recipe itself is mild, but you can always add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce while seasoning the beef to give it a spicy twist that suits your taste buds.

What dipping sauces pair well with these quesadillas?

Classic burger sauce, chipotle mayo, guacamole, and even salsa verde are excellent companions. Each adds a different layer of flavor that complements the cheesy, meaty quesadilla perfectly.

Final Thoughts

The Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a special comfort food but comes together so quickly and easily. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings big flavors with minimal fuss. Give it a try soon, and get ready to fall in love with this cheesy, crispy mashup of two favorites!