Crispy, cheesy, and boasting the savory, umami-rich flavor of a perfectly smashed burger, these quesadillas are an absolute flavor explosion. The beauty of this recipe lies in the combination of textures – the crisp, golden-brown tortillas, the juicy, smashed beef patties with their irresistible crust, and the gooey, melty cheddar cheese. These Smash Burger Quesadillas work because the thin, smashed patties maximize surface area, creating incredible flavor and crispy edges.
These are the perfect easy weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s also perfect for a casual get-together where everyone can customize their own quesadilla with their favorite toppings.
Why you’ll love this Ultimate Smash Burger Quesadillas
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- All the delicious flavors of a smash burger in a fun, easy-to-eat quesadilla.
- Incredibly customizable – add your favorite burger toppings and sauces.
- The thin, crispy smash burger patties add amazing texture and flavor.
- A guaranteed hit with the whole family, even picky eaters!
- These ultimate smash burger quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional burgers.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
- 1/4 cup burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, tomato slices
Smash burger quesadillas makes every moment feel comforting. For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños. You can also easily swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or your favorite cheese blend. If you want a little more tang, try using a bit of vinegar in your burger sauce mixture.
How to make Ultimate Smash Burger Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Smash the Patties
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place 4 balls of ground beef in the skillet, leaving space between each. Using a spatula or burger press, smash each ball down as thin as possible.
Chef’s Tip: Use a piece of parchment paper between the spatula and the beef to prevent sticking when smashing.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Season the smashed patties with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the edges are crispy and the patties are cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas
Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, then top with two cooked smash burger patties, diced onion, chopped pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas
Top with another 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and another tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more quesadillas. Serve immediately with optional toppings like shredded lettuce and tomato slices.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the smash burger patties. Work in batches to ensure they get a good sear.
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese that melts well.
- For extra crispy tortillas, brush the outside with melted butter before cooking.
- Be careful not to burn the quesadillas. Keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these smash burger quesadillas with a side of crispy french fries or a fresh salad. A creamy coleslaw would also be a great complement. For a complete meal, you might also consider serving these with a light appetizer like these White Christmas Punch Recipe.
Storage & Reheating
These are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. For best results, reheat in a skillet to re-crisp the tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Freezing is not recommended as the tortillas can become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or a plant-based ground would work well as substitutes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the smash burger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for the best results.
These Smash Burger Quesadillas are the ultimate blend of comfort food and convenience. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. For another delicious and quick dinner idea, check out these breakfast hot pockets! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how your smash burger quesadillas turned out!
Ultimate Smash Burger Quesadillas
These Smash Burger Quesadillas are the perfect weeknight meal! Crispy, cheesy, and packed with all the delicious flavors of a smash burger, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Imagine juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, crisp tortillas, and your favorite burger toppings all combined into one easy-to-eat quesadilla. The secret? A thin, smashed patty cooked to golden-brown perfection for maximum flavor and crispy edges. These are seriously addictive and a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable – swap out the cheese, add different toppings, or use different sauces to create your own signature smash burger quesadilla masterpiece. They’re the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
- 1/4 cup burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, tomato slices
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place 4 balls of ground beef in the skillet, leaving space between each. Using a spatula or burger press, smash each ball down as thin as possible.
- Season the smashed patties with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the edges are crispy and the patties are cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, then top with two cooked smash burger patties, diced onion, chopped pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
- Top with another 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and another tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more quesadillas. Serve immediately with optional toppings like shredded lettuce and tomato slices.
Notes
For extra crispy tortillas, brush the outside with melted butter before cooking. You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese blend. If you don’t have burger sauce, you can use a mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickle relish. These are best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg