Nyla here, from Grill Drip, ready to bring some serious excitement to your kitchen! Get ready, because today, we’re diving headfirst into a flavor adventure that’s going to change your weeknight dinners forever. I’m talking about Smashburger Quesadillas. Yes, you heard that right. We’re mashing up two of the most crave-able foods on the planet into one unbelievably delicious package.

I first stumbled upon the magic of Smashburger Quesadillas during one of my many late-night kitchen experiments. I had leftover ground beef from making smash burgers, and tortillas begging to be used. The rest, as they say, is delicious history. The sizzle of the beef, the crispy tortilla, the melty cheese…it was pure magic. One happy accident, and now it’s one of my go-to meals.

What makes these Smashburger Quesadillas so special? Well, it’s not just about slapping some ground beef between tortillas. It’s about creating an experience. A symphony of flavors and textures that makes your taste buds sing. The crisp edges of the smash burger, the gooey cheese, the slight tang of the burger sauce – it all comes together in perfect harmony.

These aren’t your average quesadillas, friends. We’re talking next-level stuff here. Bold, satisfying flavors that will have you doing a little happy dance in your kitchen. My favorite part? You can totally customize these Smashburger Quesadillas to fit your cravings. Add some spicy jalapeños, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, or even some crispy bacon. The possibilities are endless!

And the best part? This Smashburger Quesadillas recipe is so easy, even kitchen newbies can nail it on the first try. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal without sacrificing on taste. No bland food allowed at my table, and definitely not at yours!

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Get ready to turn every meal into something truly special! Let’s get cooking, friends!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Smashburger Quesadillas ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. I’ve got some tested ingredient swaps to keep your flavor adventure on track.

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Smashburger Quesadillas:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend): This is your foundation! The fat content gives that perfect juicy flavor. You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
4 large flour tortillas: I prefer using burrito-size tortillas for maximum coverage and flavor.
4 slices cheddar cheese: For that classic cheeseburger flavor. Feel free to swap with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
1/4 cup diced onion: Adds a little bite and sweetness.
2 tablespoons butter: For that golden-brown, crispy tortilla.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple, but essential for bringing out the flavors.
Smash Burger Sauce: You can whip up your own using mayo, ketchup, mustard, and a dash of Worcestershire. This Smashburger Quesadillas gets its amazing taste from the smash burger sauce!
Optional toppings: Pickles, lettuce, tomato, bacon… the sky’s the limit!

No worries if you don’t have cheddar cheese. I use Monterey Jack all the time in my Smashburger Quesadillas for a milder flavor! You can also use a pre-shredded Mexican blend for a little extra kick.

Here’s my Smashburger Quesadillas secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of garlic powder mixed into the ground beef! Trust me on this one. It adds a layer of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

For ingredient prep shortcuts on busy weeknights, I like to pre-dice my onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also make the smash burger sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

I love adding extra pickles to my Smashburger Quesadillas for that extra kick of tanginess. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect flavor combination! You can store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Smashburger Quesadillas – watch the delicious magic happen! These instructions are written like we’re cooking together in your kitchen, step by step!

First, divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a loose ball. Don’t overwork the meat, or it will become tough. In my kitchen, this Smashburger Quesadillas usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, so get ready for a quick and delicious meal!
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
Place one of the ground beef balls on top of the tortilla. Using a spatula, smash the beef ball as thin as possible, spreading it out to cover the entire tortilla. This is where the magic starts happening!
Season the smashed beef with salt and pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crispy on the bottom.
Flip the tortilla and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the beef is cooked through and the tortilla is lightly browned. Your Smashburger Quesadillas should smell absolutely incredible right now!
Top the beef with a slice of cheddar cheese and diced onions.
Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently with the spatula.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Don’t worry if your Smashburger Quesadillas looks a little messy. That just means it’s going to be extra delicious!
Remove the Smashburger Quesadillas from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with your favorite toppings and smash burger sauce.

While your Smashburger Quesadillas is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! This part is so satisfying.

My personal cooking discovery? Don’t be afraid to add a little butter to the skillet before cooking each quesadilla. It helps the tortilla get extra crispy and golden brown.

I’ve also found that using a cast-iron skillet gives the best results. The even heat distribution ensures that the beef cooks evenly and the tortilla gets perfectly crispy.

And here’s a happy accident that turned into a delicious twist: Try adding a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef before adding the cheese. It adds a surprising kick that takes this Smashburger Quesadillas to the next level.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Smashburger Quesadillas hits the table with some crispy french fries and a side of creamy coleslaw. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures!

I love to enjoy this Smashburger Quesadillas with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and a creamy avocado ranch dipping sauce. The sweetness of the fries and the coolness of the ranch complement the savory quesadilla perfectly.

Bold flavor pairings that complement this perfectly include a spicy jalapeño mayo or a tangy BBQ sauce. The heat of the jalapeño mayo cuts through the richness of the quesadilla, while the BBQ sauce adds a smoky sweetness.

This Smashburger Quesadillas is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special, game day gatherings, or even a fun weekend lunch with friends. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress!

For presentation ideas that wow guests, try arranging the quesadilla wedges on a platter with small bowls of your favorite toppings, like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. It’s a fun and interactive way to let everyone customize their own Smashburger Quesadillas.

Creative leftover transformations? Chop up any leftover quesadillas and add them to a salad for a hearty and flavorful meal. You can also use them as a topping for nachos or as a filling for tacos.

One fusion variation I’ve experimented with is adding a layer of kimchi to the quesadilla before cooking. The spicy, fermented kimchi adds a unique and delicious twist. Try it – you might be surprised!

The reactions when I serve this Smashburger Quesadillas are always the same: wide eyes, big smiles, and empty plates! It’s a guaranteed hit every time.

This reminds me of another bold flavor favorite – you should try my Cheeseburger Quesadillas – Culinary Hill. They are amazing!

FAQs:

Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making Smashburger Quesadillas, based on real cooking concerns and my own kitchen experiments!

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Smashburger Quesadillas?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super simple and straightforward. If you can smash a burger and fold a tortilla, you’re golden. I promise, you got this!

Q: What if I mess up my Smashburger Quesadillas? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Honestly? It’ll still taste amazing! Even if your tortilla tears or your cheese melts a little too much, it’s all good. Embrace the imperfections! It’s comfort food, not a culinary competition.

Q: How can I prep this Smashburger Quesadillas for busy weeknights?

A: Great question! You can pre-cook the ground beef and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also make the smash burger sauce ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just assemble and cook the quesadillas.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Of course! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a smoked Gouda. The possibilities are endless!

Q: What kind of tortillas should I use?

A: I prefer using large, burrito-size flour tortillas. They’re sturdy enough to hold all the fillings and they get nice and crispy when cooked. But you can use any type of tortilla you like!

Q: Can I add vegetables to this Smashburger Quesadillas?

A: Absolutely! Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced pickles are all great additions. You can even add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have a griddle?

A: No problem! A large skillet works just as well. Just make sure it’s heated evenly so that the beef cooks properly and the tortilla gets crispy.

Q: Can I make this Smashburger Quesadillas vegetarian?

A: You bet! Simply substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based burger alternative. There are some amazing options available these days!

Q: My family is picky. How can I customize this?

A: This is where the fun begins! Set out a topping bar with different cheeses, sauces, and veggies. Let everyone create their own perfect Smashburger Quesadillas.

If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Smash Burger Quesadillas Recipe – Ground Beef!

CONCLUSION:

This Smashburger Quesadillas brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors. It’s a dish that I can always count on to put a smile on my face and satisfy my cravings.

My Smashburger Quesadillas Flavor Secrets:

Don’t skimp on the cheese! Use plenty of cheese to create a gooey, melty filling.
Smash the beef thin! This is key to getting that crispy, caramelized crust.
Toast the tortilla! A golden-brown, crispy tortilla is the perfect complement to the juicy beef and melty cheese.

Here are some delicious Smashburger Quesadillas variations I’ve tested:

Spicy Smashburger Quesadillas: Add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef for a fiery kick.
BBQ Smashburger Quesadillas: Use BBQ sauce instead of smash burger sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
Bacon Smashburger Quesadillas: Add some crispy bacon to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

For game day, the Spicy version is always a hit. For a cozy night in, I lean towards the BBQ version. And for pure indulgence, you can’t beat the Bacon Smashburger Quesadillas.

Remember, the most important thing is to trust your taste buds and get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own perfect Smashburger Quesadillas.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own Smashburger Quesadillas masterpiece! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Happy cooking, friends!

For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Butternut Squash Soup! You might also like my Bundt Pan Nachos for another flavorful twist. I’m excited about you trying my Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls too! Let’s get creative!

Smashburger Quesadillas

Print Recipe

Craving a smashburger but want something different? These Smashburger Quesadillas combine the best of both worlds for a cheesy, meaty, and satisfying meal.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
4 large flour tortillas
8 slices cheddar cheese
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, burger sauce)

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Instructions

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Place a tortilla in the skillet. Quickly smash one portion of beef onto the tortilla, spreading it thinly and evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and crispy.
Flip the quesadilla and cook for another 1-2 minutes to crisp the tortilla.
Top half of the cooked beef with 2 slices of cheddar cheese and some thinly sliced onion. Fold the quesadilla in half.
Cook for another minute or two per side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Serve immediately with your favorite burger toppings.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add some pickled jalapeños to the quesadillas. Serve with burger sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.