Introduction
Smashburger Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort-food mashup, combining everything you love about a classic smashburger with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. This recipe was born out of a craving for something indulgent but quick, and it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The key is the smashburger technique, where ground beef is pressed thin and cooked hot for those irresistible crispy edges. When paired with melty cheese, toasted tortillas, and classic burger flavors, the result is a handheld meal that feels familiar yet exciting. I tested this recipe on a busy weeknight when time was limited, and it quickly earned a permanent spot in my rotation. These quesadillas are perfect for casual dinners, game days, or anytime you want something satisfying without turning on the grill. They are customizable, kid-friendly, and incredibly easy to make in a single skillet.
Print
Smashburger Quesadillas – Crispy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 quesadillas
- Diet: Halal
Description
Smashburger Quesadillas combine the crispy, flavorful goodness of smashburgers with the melty convenience of quesadillas—featuring seasoned beef, melted cheese, and classic burger toppings folded into a golden tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or American cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- Pickles, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil for cooking
- Burger Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 loose balls.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Place a beef ball onto the skillet and smash it thin with a spatula. Cook until edges are crispy, then flip and cook briefly. Repeat with remaining patties.
- Remove patties and wipe skillet clean.
- Assemble quesadillas: place a tortilla in the skillet, add cheese, crumble or slice smashburger meat over the top, and add onions or pickles if desired.
- Fold tortilla in half and cook until golden and cheese is melted, flipping once.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Mix burger sauce ingredients and serve alongside quesadillas.
Notes
- Use two patties per quesadilla for a meatier version.
- Caramelized onions add extra sweetness and depth.
- Serve with fries or a side salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights. It delivers classic burger taste in a fun, crispy format and requires simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the base of the smashburger filling, delivering rich, savory flavor.
Flour tortillas
Tortillas hold everything together and crisp beautifully when toasted.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar provides sharp, melty richness that pairs perfectly with beef.
Monterey Jack cheese
This cheese melts smoothly and balances the sharpness of cheddar.
Salt
Salt enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
Black pepper
Pepper adds subtle heat and depth.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder brings mild savory notes without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder
Onion powder mimics classic burger seasoning.
Butter or oil
Used for crisping the tortillas and cooking the beef.
Pickles
Pickles add tang and crunch, balancing the richness.
Burger sauce
A creamy sauce ties all the flavors together and adds moisture.
Directions
Start by heating a large skillet over high heat. Divide the ground beef into small portions and place them directly into the hot skillet. Using a spatula, press each portion flat to create thin patties. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until deeply browned and crispy on one side, then flip briefly to finish cooking. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat slightly and wipe the skillet clean if needed. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over half of it. Add a layer of smashburger beef, chopped pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top, then fold the tortilla in half.
Cook until the bottom is golden and crispy, then flip carefully and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Let the quesadillas rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it softens the tortillas.
Variations and Customizations
Smashburger Quesadillas are easy to adapt. Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth. Swap cheddar for American cheese for a more classic burger flavor. Bacon crumbles can be added for richness. For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also turn these into a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs. Serve with fries, salad, or extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and contains dairy and gluten. It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas. Nutritional values vary depending on ingredient choices.
Expert Tips & Customizations
High Heat Cooking
Cook beef over high heat to achieve crispy edges.
Cheese Layering
Place cheese on both sides of the filling for better melt.
Rest Before Cutting
Let quesadillas sit briefly to keep fillings intact.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, but fresh smash-cooked beef provides best texture.
What tortillas work best?
Medium flour tortillas are ideal.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best fresh, but can be reheated.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are a hit with kids.
Can I make them spicy?
Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Do I need a burger press?
No, a spatula works well.
Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended.
What sauce works best?
Classic burger sauce or thousand island-style sauce.
Can I use one cheese?
Yes, a single melting cheese works fine.
What sides pair well?
Fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
Conclusion
Smashburger Quesadillas bring together the best of two comfort-food favorites in one crispy, cheesy dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for quick dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want bold flavor without extra effort.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!