Smashburger Quesadillas (Printable)
Crispy tortilla-wrapped smashed beef patties with melted cheddar, mozzarella, pickles, and classic burger condiments.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef & Seasoning
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
→ Quesadillas
06 - 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch)
07 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup diced dill pickles
10 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
11 - 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
12 - 1/4 cup ketchup
13 - 1/4 cup yellow mustard
14 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
# How To Make:
01 - Combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Gently mix until just incorporated, then form into 8 equal balls.
02 - Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to preheat thoroughly.
03 - Add 2 beef balls to the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, firmly press each ball flat to create thin patties matching the tortilla diameter. Cook 1-2 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
04 - Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium.
05 - Lay a tortilla flat. Distribute 1/4 cup cheddar and 1/8 cup mozzarella over half the surface. Position a cooked patty on the cheese, then scatter pickles, red onion, and lettuce. Drizzle with ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
06 - Melt butter in the skillet. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with the spatula, until tortillas develop golden-brown color and cheese melts completely. Cook in batches as needed.
07 - Cut each quesadilla into halves or quarters. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The way the crispy edges of a smashburger meet the warm, melty embrace of a quesadilla creates pure magic in every bite
- Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning maximum flavor with minimal cleanup on busy weeknights
02 -
- The smashing technique is everything here, press firmly and do not be afraid to hear that aggressive sizzle, that sound means crispy edges are forming
- Let the patties develop a dark crust before flipping, that Maillard reaction is where all the burger flavor lives
03 -
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and creates the most impressive crust on both the beef and tortillas
- Warm your tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds before assembling, they will fold without cracking and cook more evenly