If you love burgers and quesadillas, why choose when you can have both? Enter Smashburger Quesadillas—a crispy, cheesy mashup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or any time you want something indulgent and satisfying. Juicy, seasoned beef is smashed onto a tortilla, layered with melty cheese, and griddled to golden perfection. Each bite delivers the ultimate combination of crispy edges, gooey cheese, and bold flavor.
How This Flavorful Creation Was Born
One summer burger night, my niece Lila declared, “Burgers are kinda boring.” Challenge accepted. I swapped the bun for a tortilla, smashed the seasoned beef in, added heaps of cheese, and grilled it until golden and crispy. Her verdict? “Can I have another one?” From that moment on, Smashburger Quesadillas became a family favorite—and now, they can be yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list—just a few key ingredients and some creativity:
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness) – swap for Impossible Meat or black beans for a vegetarian option
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (or try a smoked paprika + onion powder rub)
Tortillas & Cheese:
- 4 large flour tortillas (gluten-free options work too)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (half cheddar, half American for gooey melt) – dairy-free options work as well
Optional Toppings:
Pickles, diced onions, shredded lettuce, burger sauce, ketchup, mustard, or get creative with kimchi, hot sauce, or crushed chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Skillet:
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. A flick of water should sizzle if it’s ready. - Assemble the Beef:
Take a portion of ground beef and press it onto one side of a tortilla. Smash thinly for crispy edges. - Season Generously:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder—or your favorite rub—over the beef before it hits the skillet. - Cook & Flip:
Cook beef-side down for 2–3 minutes until crispy. Carefully flip with a spatula. - Cheese & Fold:
Add cheese, fold the tortilla into a half-moon, and press lightly. Cook another 1–2 minutes per side until golden and melty. - Rest & Serve:
Let quesadillas rest for 1–2 minutes, slice into triangles, and serve with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces like burger sauce, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Tips & Twists
- Breakfast Smash: Add scrambled eggs and bacon for a morning treat.
- Spicy Fiesta: Mix in chorizo and pepper jack cheese.
- Hawaiian Vibes: Add thin pineapple slices and a drizzle of teriyaki.
- Pizza Party: Use Italian sausage, mozzarella, and marinara for dipping.
- Lightened-Up Version: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken and fold in shredded zucchini.
Pro Tips from the Quesadilla Trenches
- Cast-iron skillets = crispy perfection.
- Resting the quesadillas prevents cheese from oozing out.
- Make double—these disappear fast!
- Freeze extras for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 30g
These Smashburger Quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or whenever you need a little culinary rebellion in your life.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: