Smashburger Quesadillas

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Melty cheese, perfectly seasoned beef, and golden crispy tortillas—Smashburger Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Think of them as the glorious union of a juicy smashburger and a gooey quesadilla, layered together into a handheld dream. They’re bold, flavorful, and take only a few ingredients to pull together, making them perfect for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing party platters.

The beauty of this recipe lies in the sear. By smashing the beef directly onto the tortilla and letting it crisp up while the cheese melts beneath, you get that crispy edge and juicy center that makes smashburgers so addictive. Paired with classic burger toppings like pickles, onions, and your favorite dipping sauces, these quesadillas deliver all the burger satisfaction with way less mess.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Flour tortillas work best for these quesadillas. They crisp up nicely and hold their structure without cracking when folded or sliced. Use taco-sized tortillas for easy flipping in the skillet, or go large for sharing-style wedges. Avoid corn tortillas here—they’re too delicate and won’t give you that crisp, golden exterior.

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Ingredients for the Smashburger Quesadillas

• Ground beef (80/20): Provides the ideal fat ratio for juicy, flavorful beef that crisps beautifully.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy layer that binds everything together and adds that essential cheesy pull.
• Flour tortillas: Serve as the crispy vessel to hold all the goodness.
• Pickles: Add crunch and tang to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• White onion (optional): Brings a slight bite and freshness—raw or sautéed both work.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the beef’s natural flavor.
• Butter or oil (for skillet): Helps crisp up the tortilla to golden perfection.

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How To Make the Smashburger Quesadillas

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Shred your cheddar cheese, slice the pickles thinly, and dice or slice the onions (if using). Portion out your ground beef into small balls—about 2-3 oz each if you’re using taco-sized tortillas.

Step 2: Heat and Smash

Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter. Place one tortilla in the skillet, then immediately press a ball of ground beef directly onto one half of the tortilla. Smash it flat with a spatula until it’s thin and covers that half.

Step 3: Season and Sizzle

Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked beef. Let it begin to melt slightly.

Step 5: Fold and Crisp

Fold the tortilla over the beef and cheese side to form a half-moon. Press down gently with your spatula and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until crisp.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute. Slice into wedges and serve hot with pickles, onions, and dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce.

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How to Serve and Store These Smashburger Quesadillas

Serve these quesadillas hot and fresh out of the skillet for the ultimate texture and flavor. They pair well with a simple side salad, fries, or crispy tots. If you’re serving a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.

Leftovers? Cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet to bring back the crisp or pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you’re okay with a softer bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or American cheese all work well depending on your flavor preference. Just be sure it melts easily.

Do I have to smash the beef directly onto the tortilla?

That’s what gives these quesadillas their smashburger identity! But you can cook the beef separately and assemble if preferred.

What sauces go well with this recipe?

Burger sauce, spicy mayo, ranch, or classic ketchup and mustard all pair beautifully. Dip or drizzle—it’s up to you.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and onions for a hearty veggie option.

Can I freeze these?

They’re best fresh, but you can freeze them once cooked. Wrap in foil and place in a zip bag. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the cheesy, beefy combo. Just leave out the pickles and onions if they’re picky eaters.

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Want More Cheesy Dinner Ideas?

If you love these crispy, gooey quesadillas, you’ll definitely want to check out these satisfying and savory favorites:

• Try the Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a family-friendly oven dinner.
• Make your weeknight easier with this cozy One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.
• For a slow cooker winner, the Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes hits all the right comfort notes.
• Try something bold like the Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a kick of spice.
• Or go classic with the ever-reliable Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s handy for your next weeknight craving.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you load it up with toppings or keep it simple? Any sauce pairings that stole the show?

You can also follow along and find more crave-worthy recipes on my Pinterest board, Life with Jam.

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