Smashburger quesadillas are the perfect blend of two comfort food icons. Picture crispy smashed burger patties, gooey cheese, and golden tortillas toasted to perfection. This recipe is fast, fun, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults. Whether you’re making them for game night or a casual dinner, these quesadillas bring big flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of smashburger quesadillas is their balance of crispy, cheesy, and juicy. The smash technique gives beef that signature caramelized crust, while the tortilla keeps everything neat and handheld. You can also tweak it to suit your mood—keep it classic, add spice, or even swap in a vegetarian filling. Best of all, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, which makes them an easy win for weeknights.
For another family-friendly dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor, try these cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage.
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Smashburger Quesadillas
Smashburger quesadillas combine juicy smashed beef patties with melty cheese and golden tortillas. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or Mexican blend)
1 onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
2 tbsp butter or oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: jalapeños, avocado, pico de gallo, burger sauce
Instructions
1. Divide beef into four balls and smash into thin patties on a hot skillet.
2. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until edges are browned and crisp.
3. Caramelize onions in butter until golden.
4. Lay a tortilla flat, sprinkle cheese, add a patty, onions, and toppings.
5. Fold tortilla and toast in butter until crisp and golden.
6. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Notes
Use high heat for crispy burger edges.
Blend cheeses for better melt and flavor.
Don’t overload with wet toppings.
Make ahead by preparing patties and onions in advance, then assemble when ready.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make four hearty quesadillas, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or Mexican blend)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional extras include pickled jalapeños, avocado slices, pico de gallo, or a simple burger sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and hot sauce.
For another recipe that highlights bold yet simple ingredients, check out this street corn chicken rice.
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas
- Step 1: Smash the beef
Divide the beef into four equal balls. Heat a skillet or griddle until very hot. Place one beef ball down and press it firmly with a spatula until about ¼-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, flip, then cook another 1–2 minutes. - Step 2: Caramelize onions
In another pan, cook thinly sliced onions with a touch of butter until soft and golden. This step adds sweet balance to the savory meat and cheese. - Step 3: Assemble
Lay a tortilla flat. Sprinkle cheese over half, add a patty, onions, and optional toppings. Sprinkle more cheese, then fold the tortilla. - Step 4: Toast
Melt butter in a skillet and place the folded tortilla seam-side down. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Slice and serve hot.
If you enjoy hands-on comfort food, you may also love this crock pot French dip sandwich.
Tips and Variations
- Keep the heat high: A hot skillet makes those edges crisp.
- Choose melty cheeses: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or American all work beautifully.
- Don’t overstuff: Too many wet toppings can make your quesadilla soggy.
- Try variations: Swap in chicken, turkey, or even smashed black bean patties for a lighter twist.
For another customizable classic, give this butter chicken a try; it’s equally adaptable to your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made burger patties instead of smashing?
Yes, but you’ll miss the crispy edges that make smashburgers special. If using pre-made patties, sear them hard for extra browning.
What cheese melts best?
American, cheddar, and Monterey Jack all melt perfectly. Using a blend gives both stretch and flavor.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely. Use black bean patties or smashed mushrooms with caramelized onions and cheese, or swap in vegan cheese alternatives.
How do I avoid soggy quesadillas?
Go light on sauces and juicy toppings, and add fresh extras like lettuce or salsa right before serving.
Final Bite
Smashburger quesadillas are quick, flexible, and irresistible. With their crispy beef edges, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortillas, they pack the best parts of a burger and quesadilla into one dish. Serve them with fries, slaw, or a fresh salsa, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser on your hands every time. This is comfort food at its most satisfying.
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