Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
If you love the juicy, crispy goodness of a smashburger but want to mix things up, this Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe is a total game-changer. It takes everything we adore about a burger—the seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and those punchy pickles—and wraps it all inside crispy, golden tortillas. It’s like your favorite burger got a fun new makeover that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a killer snack when you’re craving something quick but satisfying.
This recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want that smashburger flavor without the mess or the bun. Plus, it’s super simple to customize with whatever you have on hand, and it comes together in a flash. I know you’ll enjoy how these quesadillas turn out—crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together perfectly to recreate that smashburger vibe inside a warm quesadilla. Trust me, quality beef and good cheese make all the difference, and I have some tips to help you pick the best.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness—leaner beef can dry out quickly.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Simple seasoning keeps the beef flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Large flour tortillas: Choose sturdy tortillas so they crisp up nicely without falling apart.
- Shredded cheddar or American cheese: Cheddar adds sharpness, while American melts beautifully for that classic burger feel.
- Pickles: Optional but highly recommended—for that perfect tangy crunch that screams smashburger.
- Diced onions: Optional, add fresh bite and texture.
- Burger sauce: Optional, but adding a smear inside turns these quesadillas into something really special.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak the fillings depending on what’s in the fridge and how hungry everyone is. Feel free to get creative!
- Mushroom & Swiss: I swapped out cheddar for Swiss cheese and added sautéed mushrooms once, and it was incredibly rich and satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist I enjoy on game day.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute or black beans for a flavorful meat-free option.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack or mozzarella to mix up the melty cheese factor.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers or corn kernels work great if you want to sneak in more color and crunch.
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, mix your ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread the beef evenly in the pan and don’t stir immediately—let it sear and crisp up like a smashburger patty. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then break it apart, stir, and cook until fully browned but still juicy. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Add a hearty scoop of the seasoned beef over the cheese then top with pickles and onions if you’re using them. If you have burger sauce, this is the perfect time to spread some on the empty side of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half to close it up neatly.
Step 3: Cook Until Crisp and Melty
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with a bit of oil or butter. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting. Keep an eye on it—once it’s golden brown and the cheese has melted, it’s ready to flip.
How to Serve Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
I love serving mine garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a bright, fresh zing that balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes, just some extra pickles on the side satisfy that smashburger craving even more.
Side Dishes
A simple side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries pairs beautifully, but I also enjoy a crunchy green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For something fun and casual, tortilla chips and fresh salsa or guacamole make the perfect accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve made these for a game day gathering, I sliced them into wedges and arranged them on a platter with little cups of burger sauce and pickles for dipping. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! You can even stack small quesadillas and serve them with fun skewers for easy finger food at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and make an awesome next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe, first cool them completely. Then wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze nicely for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing before cooking if you’re prepping ahead, then cooking straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the pan time.
Reheating
To keep that crispy texture, reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. It takes just a few minutes per side, and you’ll get melty cheesy goodness with a delicious crunch. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works—just know it’ll be a bit softer.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tortillas for the Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas are classic because they crisp nicely and fold easily, but you can also use whole wheat or even corn tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind corn tortillas are more fragile, so handle them gently and cook on medium heat to avoid tearing.
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Is this Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids tend to love the melty cheese and familiar burger flavors. If you’re concerned about spiciness or pickles, you can always leave those out or serve them on the side so everyone gets exactly what they want.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and even assemble the quesadillas, storing them in the fridge before cooking. This makes dinner a breeze, especially on busy nights when you want something quick and tasty.
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What can I use instead of ground beef?
For a twist or dietary preference, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well. Just season and cook them as you would with beef to keep that flavorful punch.
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How do you prevent quesadillas from getting soggy?
Cooking them on a moderately hot skillet with a little oil or butter and pressing down gently ensures the tortillas get crispy. Also, avoid adding too much sauce inside—add it sparingly to keep things from getting mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that always impresses. I love how it combines the joy of a smashburger with the convenience of a quesadilla—comfort food that’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a fun twist for your next meal, give this recipe a try. I promise, once you make it, it’ll become a favorite fast!
Print
Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smashburger Quesadillas recipe combines the juicy, seasoned beef flavors of a classic smashburger with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, these quesadillas feature ground beef cooked with simple seasonings, melted cheddar or American cheese, all sandwiched in warm, toasted flour tortillas. Optional toppings like pickles, diced onions, and burger sauce add an extra layer of flavor that echoes the traditional smashburger experience.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Quesadilla Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese
Optional Toppings
- Pickles, sliced
- Diced onions
- Burger sauce
Instructions
- Season and cook the beef. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Break the beef apart and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the quesadillas. Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface or plate. Evenly spread a quarter of the cooked ground beef over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar or American cheese on top of the beef.
- Cook the quesadilla. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with optional toppings. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and cut into wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve warm with optional pickles, diced onions, and burger sauce on the side for dipping or topping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef.
- Use a non-stick skillet or lightly grease the pan to ensure the quesadillas crisp up nicely without sticking.
- To reheat leftovers, toast in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.
Keywords: Smashburger quesadillas, ground beef quesadillas, cheesy quesadilla recipe, quick beef quesadilla, American comfort food
