Smashburger Quesadillas are a fun twist on two favorites—juicy, flavorful smashburgers paired with crispy, cheesy quesadillas. The combination of a good seared burger patty packed with melted cheese, nestled between warm, crunchy tortillas, makes these quesadillas something special. You get that satisfying crunch along with the rich taste of seasoned beef and gooey cheese in every bite.
I love making these because they come together so quickly, and everyone always asks for seconds. You can add your favorite toppings right inside the quesadilla—or keep it simple and let the burger flavor shine through. I usually toss in some pickles or a bit of tangy sauce to give it that classic smashburger feel. It’s comfort food with a little edge, and it’s great for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend snack.
These quesadillas are perfect for dipping in ketchup or a creamy sauce, and I like to serve them alongside some fresh veggies or a simple salad to balance things out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cheesy and meaty, Smashburger Quesadillas hit the spot every time. I always find myself reaching for another one—hard to stop once you start!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend is great for juicy, flavorful patties. If you want less fat, try 90/10, but expect it a bit drier. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a punch of flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend if you prefer a milder taste.
Pickles: They add a nice tang and crunch that balances the richness. If pickles aren’t your thing, try sliced jalapeños for heat or skip them altogether.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and flexible, perfect for folding and crisping. You could use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if needed, but adjust cooking time as they may crisp differently.
How Do You Get Crispy Tortillas Without Burning Them?
Getting that golden, crispy outside while melting the cheese inside is key to a tasty quesadilla. Here’s how I do it:
- Use medium heat: Too high and the tortilla burns before the cheese melts; too low and it gets soggy. Medium heat lets everything cook evenly.
- Lightly grease your pan with oil or butter: This prevents sticking and helps create an even crisp surface without overdoing it.
- Press gently with a spatula: Press down on the quesadilla while it cooks to help the fillings meld and the tortilla crisp up nicely.
- Flip carefully: Use a wide spatula to flip slowly, making sure the quesadilla stays intact.
- Rest before slicing: Let the quesadilla sit a minute off the heat so the cheese sets slightly—this stops it from leaking out.
These tips help you get a crunchy outside and gooey inside every time, making your Smashburger Quesadillas a hit.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking the beef evenly and crisping the quesadillas without sticking.
- Spatula – helps flip quesadillas easily without breaking them apart.
- Cheese grater – for shredding cheddar cheese quickly and evenly.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop pickles and shred lettuce for fresh toppings.
- Mixing bowl – to season and mix the ground beef before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option that still tastes great.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce inside for a spicy kick that livens up the quesadillas.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a little heat and creamy meltiness.
- Mix in sautéed onions and mushrooms with the beef to boost the flavor and add texture.
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup pickles, chopped
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes cooking the seasoned ground beef, then 10 minutes assembling and cooking the quesadillas. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on top. Break the beef into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully done, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any extra fat and set the beef aside.
2. Preparing the Quesadillas:
Wipe the skillet clean and lower heat to medium. Add a little oil or butter to the pan to keep the quesadillas from sticking. Place one tortilla flat in the skillet. On half of the tortilla, sprinkle about ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Assembling and Cooking:
Over the cheese, evenly spread about ¼ of the cooked beef and then sprinkle chopped pickles. Add a spoonful or two of shredded lettuce. Top this with some more cheese for a gooey finish. Fold the tortilla over to cover the fillings.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until golden and the cheese inside is melted.
4. Serving:
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute so the cheese can set a bit. Slice into wedges and repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Serve warm, topped or sided with sour cream, pico de gallo, or ketchup.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Thawing helps it cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from making the quesadilla soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Pickles?
If you’re not a fan of pickles, try sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist or diced tomatoes for freshness. You can also leave them out altogether if you prefer a simpler flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crispy instead of using the microwave.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the beef and assemble the quesadillas, then refrigerate before cooking. Cook them fresh in the skillet when you’re ready to eat for the best crispy results.
