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Smashburger Quesadillas Beefy Cheese: 7 Irresistible Steps

Smashburger Quesadillas Beefy Cheese

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A delicious fusion of classic American smashburger and comforting Mexican quesadilla, featuring crispy smashed beef patties, melty cheese, and golden-brown tortillas. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • 8 medium (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola, vegetable)
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp finely minced dill pickle
  • 1 tsp pickle juice
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Dill pickle slices (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional)
  • Fresh tomato slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, minced dill pickle, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing other ingredients.
  2. In a medium bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Divide the mixture into 8 loose balls.
  3. Shred cheese if not pre-shredded. Prepare any optional toppings (red onion, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes) and set aside.
  4. Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Heat for 3-5 minutes until screaming hot.
  5. Add ½ tbsp neutral oil to the hot pan. Place 2 beef balls on the pan, leaving space. Place one flour tortilla directly on top of each beef ball. Using a sturdy spatula, firmly smash each beef ball into a thin patty that spreads to the tortilla’s edges. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the beef has a good crust.
  6. Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheese over each beef patty on the tortillas. Immediately place a second flour tortilla directly on top of the cheese, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Carefully slide your spatula underneath the entire stack and flip it over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the second tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has completely melted.
  8. Remove the finished Smashburger Quesadilla from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Repeat steps 5-7 with remaining ingredients, adding more oil as needed, to make 4 quesadillas. Keep cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven if desired.
  9. Slice each Smashburger Quesadilla into quarters. Generously drizzle with the chilled Smashburger Sauce and add any desired optional toppings. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

    Nutrition