Smashburger Quesadillas bring back all the fun of burger night with a bold, melty twist that my grandkids absolutely love. I first discovered this clever combination when I was trying to use up some ground beef and tortillas one evening. I pressed the seasoned beef right into the tortilla, cooked it until crispy, added cheese, and folded it over. The result was pure genius, if I do say so myself.
This hybrid of a fast-food-style burger and a cheesy quesadilla became an instant hit in my kitchen. It’s quick enough for weeknights, fun enough for game days, and seriously satisfying when you just want something different. The best part is everything happens in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Time to heat up that griddle.
The Secret Behind This Recipe
In Betty’s kitchen, the best recipes are often the simplest ones with a creative twist. These smashburger quesadillas deliver big flavor without any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick
- Great for game days and casual gatherings
- Combines the best of burgers and quesadillas in one bite
- Easy cleanup with just one skillet
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for all ages
What Goes Into This Recipe
Ground beef is the foundation of this dish. I always choose ground beef with about 80-85% lean meat for the best balance of flavor and juiciness without being too greasy.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are simple seasonings that make all the difference. In my kitchen, I prefer seasoning generously because the beef needs bold flavor to shine through the cheese and tortilla.
Large flour tortillas serve as both the base and the wrapper. I’ve found that larger tortillas work better than small ones because you need enough surface area for the beef and cheese.
Shredded cheddar or American cheese melts beautifully and provides that classic burger flavor. Betty’s solution is using pre-shredded cheese for convenience, though I sometimes shred my own for better melting.
Optional toppings like pickles, diced onions, and burger sauce let you customize each quesadilla just like a burger. In my experience, these toppings add freshness and tang that balance the rich beef and cheese.
Cooking This Recipe Step by Step
Step 1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. I’ve learned that medium-high heat is crucial for getting a good sear on the beef while ensuring the tortilla doesn’t burn.
Step 2. Take a small handful of ground beef, about 2-3 ounces, and press it directly onto one half of each tortilla. Betty always says to press the beef thin, almost like you’re making a smash burger patty on the tortilla itself. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3. Place the tortilla beef-side down on the hot skillet. The key I discovered is using a spatula to press down firmly on the tortilla for the first minute to help the beef adhere and develop a crispy crust. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and has formed a nice crust.
Step 4. Flip the tortilla so the beef side is now facing up. Through trial and error, I learned that flipping carefully with a large spatula prevents the beef from separating from the tortilla.
Step 5. Immediately sprinkle cheese over the cooked beef. My family prefers a generous amount of cheese, about 1/4 cup per quesadilla.
Step 6. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently with the spatula to seal. After years of making these, I’ve discovered that folding while the cheese is still melting helps everything stick together better.
Step 7. Grill both sides of the folded quesadilla for about 1-2 minutes per side until the tortilla is crispy and golden and the cheese is fully melted inside.
Step 8. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing. Betty’s tip is to slice into wedges and serve with your favorite burger toppings or dipping sauces on the side.
Leftover Magic
I typically store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortilla will soften as it sits, but they still taste delicious.
For the best texture, I reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to crisp up the tortilla again. Betty’s freezing method is not recommended for this recipe because the tortillas tend to become soggy and the texture suffers when thawed.
Sides That Shine
These hearty quesadillas pair wonderfully with classic burger-style accompaniments:
- Crispy French fries or potato wedges – The ultimate burger pairing that works just as well with these quesadillas
- Pickles and diced onions – Fresh toppings that add crunch and tang
- Burger sauce, ketchup, and mustard – Classic condiments for dipping or drizzling (you might also enjoy my Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta for another burger-inspired dinner)
- Lettuce and tomato salad – A simple fresh salad that lightens up the meal
- Sour cream and salsa – For those who prefer their quesadillas with Mexican-style toppings
- Coleslaw – Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and freshness
- Sweet potato fries – A slightly healthier alternative to regular fries
For more ground beef favorites, check out my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole or One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni.
FAQs
Yes, many home cooks find success with ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind they’re leaner, so the quesadilla won’t be quite as juicy. I recommend adding a drizzle of oil to the pan.
The best approach I’ve tested is pressing the beef to about 1/4-inch thick or thinner. The thinner you press it, the more it resembles an authentic smashburger texture.
Absolutely. I recommend keeping it simple inside and serving additional toppings on the side, but you can add thin pickle slices or a spread of burger sauce before folding if you prefer.
Smashburger Quesadillas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Press a small handful of ground beef directly onto one half of each tortilla. Season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook beef side down for 2 to 3 minutes until browned.
- Flip tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, fold in half, and grill both sides until crispy and melty.
- Slice and serve with your favorite burger toppings or dipping sauce.
