If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Smashburger Quesadillas. This delicious recipe combines the juicy essence of a classic burger with the crispy goodness of a quesadilla, resulting in a dish that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be able to whip up this mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun lunch, or even as a tempting appetizer for your next get-together, these quesadillas are sure to impress!
The Smashburger Quesadillas are packed with flavor. Imagine biting into a crispy tortilla, revealing layers of juicy, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and optional tangy pickles that elevate each bite. Personalize them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as a creamy burger sauce, to make every interaction delightful. This recipe not only satisfies the heartiest of appetites but also caters to a wide array of taste preferences.
The blend of simple steps and common ingredients makes these quesadillas approachable for even novice cooks. With the versatility that these quesadillas provide, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again, ensuring that your kitchen always has tasty options on the menu!
Why You’ll Love This Smashburger Quesadillas
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy and Cheesy: Experience the satisfying crunch of golden tortillas filled with gooey cheddar cheese.
- Flavorful Filling: Juicy, well-seasoned ground beef gives a burger-like taste in every bite.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings such as pickles, onions, or sauces to make them your own.
- Great for Any Occasion: These quesadillas are ideal for casual dinners, lunchboxes, or party appetizers.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start making these Smashburger Quesadillas, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. Start by clearing and cleaning your countertop to provide ample space for chopping and assembling your ingredients.
Gather the following tools to ensure your cooking experience goes smoothly:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for achieving that perfect sear on the beef.
- Spatula: Handy for flipping and smashing the ground beef.
- Non-stick Pan: This will be used to toast the quesadillas evenly without sticking.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for prepping any additional toppings like pickles or fresh herbs if desired.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for toasting
- 0.25 cup pickles (optional)
- 2 tbsp burger sauce (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by heating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance its flavor. Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes to develop a nice crust before breaking it up and continuing to cook it until fully browned. This ensures that you get both juicy and crispy bits of beef in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Using a clean pan, warm a tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is crucial as it makes the tortilla more pliable, preventing it from cracking when you fold it in half later. Be sure not to overheat the tortilla as you want it to remain flexible, not crispy.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla
Once your tortilla is warm, place it on a flat surface. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by a layer of the sautéed ground beef. You can also add optional ingredients such as pickles and additional cheese before folding the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Press down gently to help the ingredients adhere.
Step 4: Toast the Quesadilla
Add some butter or oil to your pan and carefully place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Toast it for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip it carefully with your spatula to ensure both sides get that deliciously crisp texture.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once both sides are golden brown, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to slice. Using a sharp knife, cut the quesadilla into wedges, and serve warm with extra burger sauce or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a healthier twist.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Amp up the flavor with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or cayenne for a kick of heat.
Cooking Notes
- This recipe is very forgiving; feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your personal taste.
- For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and gouda, along with cheddar.
- Ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the beef to get the best sear.
- Allow the quesadilla to rest before slicing to prevent everything from falling out.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Smashburger Quesadillas with a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with a variety of sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or ranch for those who enjoy dipping.
Tips
- For the crispiest outside, make sure that your skillet is hot enough before adding the quesadilla.
- Experiment with additional toppings or fillings to cater to different tastes; consider jalapeños or avocado slices.
- If you are short on time, prep the ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quicker.
- Cooking in batches can help, especially if you’re serving a crowd—keep quesadillas warm in the oven until ready to serve.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make Smashburger Quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fillings ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to cook them. This saves time during busy weeknights.
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Absolutely! You can assemble and freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
What can I serve with Smashburger Quesadillas?
These quesadillas pair well with various sides, including salads, chips and salsa, or homemade fries for a complete meal.
How can I customize the filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can add different proteins like shredded chicken, or even swap the beef for beans for a vegetarian option. Add any vegetables and spices you enjoy!
Conclusion
Smashburger Quesadillas are the perfect blend of flavors that bring together two beloved favorites—burgers and quesadillas—into one satisfying dish. With just a few ingredients and quick steps, this easy recipe allows you to create a hearty meal any time of the day. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a party or simply whipping up a meal for yourself, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and add your personal touch to make them even more enjoyable. Try this Smashburger Quesadilla recipe today, and don’t forget to comment below about your experience or any variations you tried!
Print
Smashburger Quesadillas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you're craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Smashburger Quesadillas. This delicious recipe combines the juicy essence of a classic burger with the crispy goodness of a quesadilla, resulting in a dish that's not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for toasting
- 0.25 cup pickles (optional)
- 2 tbsp burger sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Start by heating your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance its flavor. Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes to develop a nice crust before breaking it up and continuing to cook it until fully browned. This ensures that you get both juicy and crispy bits of beef in every bite.
- Using a clean pan, warm a tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is crucial as it makes the tortilla more pliable, preventing it from cracking when you fold it in half later. Be sure not to overheat the tortilla as you want it to remain flexible, not crispy.
- Once your tortilla is warm, place it on a flat surface. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by a layer of the sautéed ground beef. You can also add optional ingredients such as pickles and additional cheese before folding the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Press down gently to help the ingredients adhere.
- Add some butter or oil to your pan and carefully place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Toast it for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip it carefully with your spatula to ensure both sides get that deliciously crisp texture.
- Once both sides are golden brown, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. This helps the cheese set a bit, making it easier to slice. Using a sharp knife, cut the quesadilla into wedges, and serve warm with extra burger sauce or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
This recipe is very forgiving; feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your personal taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g