Smashburger Quesadillas

Smashburger Quesadillas

Author: Sara Smith Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings Category: Other Recipes Cuisine: American Diet: Meat

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese (or a mix)
  • Optional: 8–12 pickle slices
  • Optional: 1/4 cup diced onions (raw or lightly sautéed)
  • Optional: Burger sauce for serving (store-bought or homemade)
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Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning your ground beef. Place the beef in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix lightly with your hands or a spoon just until the seasonings are distributed.
  2. Warm up your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  3. Divide the seasoned beef into four small handfuls. Each portion will become the smashed patty inside a single tortilla.
  4. Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Take one small handful of seasoned beef and press it directly onto one half of the tortilla.
  5. Place the filled tortilla on the hot skillet, beef side down. Press gently with a spatula to encourage contact and browning.
  6. Cook the beef side down for 2–3 minutes, until well browned around the edges.
  7. Flip the tortilla so the meat side faces up. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese over the cooked meat.
  8. Add pickles or diced onions now if using.
  9. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the meat and cheese, forming a half-moon shape.
  10. Grill the folded quesadilla on both sides until golden and crispy and the cheese melts, about 1–2 minutes per side.
  11. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice each into wedges and serve hot with burger sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. For best results, use ground beef with some fat (80/20) to keep the filling juicy. Adjust heat to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.