As I flipped through my collection of weeknight favorites, a thought hit me—what if I could blend two beloved classics into one mouthwatering dish? Enter Smashburger Quesadillas, where juicy, seasoned beef meets gooey cheese all embraced by warmth and crispiness of a tortilla. This recipe not only takes a traditional burger night from ordinary to extraordinary in just 20 minutes, but it also invites customization that makes it a perfect fit for any palate. Whether you’re entertaining friends on game night or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner after a long day, these quesadillas deliver comfort and delight in every bite. Ready to dive into this cheesy adventure with me? Let’s explore how to make your own savory creation!
Why Smashburger Quesadillas Will Delight You
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that rivals any restaurant burger. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Limitless Customization: Transform these quesadillas to cater to your tastes—add bacon, different cheeses, or even go vegetarian with seasoned black beans.
Crowd-pleaser: These quesadillas are always a hit, making them ideal for game nights or parties.
Perfectly Crispy: Using a cast-iron skillet ensures a golden, crispy exterior that holds all that cheesy goodness securely.
Comfort Food Redefined: Enjoy the best of burgers and quesadillas, combining familiar flavors into a unique treat. For more fun meal ideas, check out our tasty weeknight recipes.
Smashburger Quesadillas Ingredients
Get ready to create a cheesy masterpiece with these essential components!
For the Beef Filling
- Ground Beef – The secret to a juicy texture; aim for an 80/20 fat ratio for the best flavor.
- Salt – Elevates the overall taste of the beef, enhancing its savory deliciousness.
- Pepper – Adds a bit of zing that complements the meat perfectly.
- Garlic Powder – For a touch of aromatic flavor that rounds out the beef beautifully.
For the Quesadilla Base
- Flour Tortillas – Large burrito-size tortillas hold all the goodness; they provide the perfect crispy exterior. Tip: For a gluten-free alternative, almond flour tortillas work, but handle with care.
For the Cheesy Goodness
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar and American) – The combination melts beautifully, giving you that rich, tangy flavor. Substitution: Go for dairy-free cheese shreds if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
Optional Toppings
- Pickles – Add a crunchy, tangy kick that mimics classic burger flavors.
- Diced Onions – Fresh or caramelized, they provide a sweet and savory element you can’t ignore.
- Burger Sauce – A drizzle brings it all together with additional creaminess and flavor.
Feel inspired to customize these Smashburger Quesadillas to your heart’s content!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smashburger Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare Heat
Begin by heating a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface; they should sizzle away immediately. This ensures a perfect sear for your ground beef, vital for those delicious Smashburger Quesadillas.
Step 2: Assemble Tortillas
While the skillet is heating, take your flour tortillas and lay them flat. Press a generous handful of ground beef onto one half of each tortilla, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, bringing out those robust flavors that will make your Smashburger Quesadillas irresistible.
Step 3: Cook Beef
Carefully place each tortilla with the beef-side down onto the hot skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes, or until the beef becomes nicely browned and crispy. Keep an eye on the edges of the tortillas; they should start to turn a golden color, indicating it’s time to flip.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Flip
Once the beef is crispy, it’s time to flip the tortilla carefully. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the cooked beef, allowing it to start melting. Fold the tortilla in half to encase the fillings, then grill it for another 2–3 minutes on each side, ensuring both sides are golden and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
After both sides of your Smashburger Quesadillas are perfectly golden, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for 1-2 minutes. This resting time helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier. Cut each quesadilla into triangles and serve with your favorite toppings like pickles, onions, or burger sauce for that extra flavor punch!
Make Ahead Options
These Smashburger Quesadillas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the ground beef and assemble the quesadillas up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the beef with seasoning, then cool it before placing it in the refrigerator. Wrap ungrilled quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the quesadilla, and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and golden. Remember, resting the quesadillas for a minute after cooking helps maintain that deliciously melty cheese. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll have a quick, satisfying dinner ready to go on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Smashburger Quesadillas
Elevate your meal experience with delightful sides and drinks that perfectly complement the rich flavors of these cheesy quesadillas.
Crispy Waffle Fries: These seasoned fries bring a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the softness of the quesadilla. A side of dipping sauce can elevate the experience even further.
Fresh Guacamole: A creamy, fresh guacamole adds a cooling element that contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy quesadilla. Plus, it invites double-dipping!
Zesty Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing bite that brightens up each mouthful, creating a fantastic balance of flavors.
Spicy Salsa: A vibrant, spicy salsa offers a kick of heat that complements the meaty quesadilla. Serve it on the side for dipping or drizzle it over the top.
Tropical Fruit Salad: Sweet, juicy chunks of pineapple and mango provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and beef. The sweetness rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creamy Jalapeño Poppers: These crispy bites add an extra layer of flavor and fun. Their heat amps up the quesadilla’s taste, making every bite exhilarating!
Ice-cold Beer: A light lager or IPA makes for a fantastic beverage pairing, cutting through the richness of the quesadilla and enhancing the overall meal experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. This dessert complements the savory quesadilla perfectly, making for a comforting finish.
Storage Tips for Smashburger Quesadillas
Fridge: Store any leftover Smashburger Quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
Make-ahead: Pre-cook the quesadillas and cool them completely before refrigerating. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crunch.
Reheating: For optimal results, reheat cooked quesadillas in a skillet rather than the microwave; this method restores their delightful crispiness.
Expert Tips for Smashburger Quesadillas
Crispy Perfection: Use a cast-iron skillet for achieving that irresistible crunch. Non-stick pans can leave them soggy.
Avoid Cheese Spillage: Let the cooked quesadillas rest before slicing. This prevents the cheese from oozing out when you cut them.
Double Up: Always make at least two quesadillas—one is never enough! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Two Spatulas for Flipping: For easy flipping, ensure the beef is crisped thoroughly, and use two spatulas to handle the quesadilla gently.
Freshly Shredded Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
Customize Freely: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite flavors or toppings. From spices to types of cheese, the Smashburger Quesadillas are ready for your personal touch!
Smashburger Quesadillas Variations & Substitutions
Dive into a world of flavors and textures by customizing your Smashburger Quesadillas!
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or Impossible Meat, creating a rich, hearty filling without the meat.
Breakfast Smash: Add scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon for a delightful breakfast twist. Each bite will be a morning treat, perfect for brunch!
Spicy Fiesta: Turn up the heat by incorporating cooked chorizo and swapping out cheeses for pepper jack. If you’re a spice lover, this variation will excite your taste buds!
Hawaiian Vibes: Elevate your quesadilla by adding pineapple rings topped with teriyaki glaze. The sweet and savory combo is bound to be a hit at any gathering.
Pizza Party: Utilize Italian sausage along with mozzarella cheese and serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It’s like pizza reinvented!
Crunchy Additions: Toss in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for added crunch and zing. These colorful additions not only enhance flavor but also provide vibrant visual appeal.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese shreds for a tasty non-dairy version, ensuring everyone can indulge in this deliciousness. There’s no need to skimp on flavor!
Feel free to experiment and explore various combinations! If you’re looking for more delicious twists, check out our guide on quick weeknight meals.
Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ground beef for Smashburger Quesadillas?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and juiciness, I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio. The balance of fat ensures a wonderfully moist filling that won’t dry out during cooking. Look for bright red meat, free of any dark spots, and always choose fresh over frozen when possible.
What’s the best way to store leftover Smashburger Quesadillas?
Very! To keep your leftover quesadillas fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to help restore their golden crispy exterior. For optimal results, avoid the microwave, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
Can I freeze Smashburger Quesadillas for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method will keep them good for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until they’re hot and crispy.
What should I do if my quesadillas aren’t crisp enough?
Don’t worry! If your quesadillas lack crispiness, check if your skillet is hot enough before starting. If the heat is too low, they may steam instead of crisp. Additionally, let them cook undisturbed until the desired golden color develops on the first side before flipping. Using a cast-iron skillet also helps achieve that perfect crunch!
Are Smashburger Quesadillas suitable for special dietary needs?
Very! These quesadillas are quite adaptable. For a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour tortillas, though they may be a bit more delicate. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting the ground beef with seasoned black beans or Impossible Meat. Just remember to check the labels on all toppings and seasonings for potential allergens based on dietary needs.
How do I add toppings without making my Smashburger Quesadillas soggy?
Great question! To prevent sogginess, I recommend adding toppings sparingly after cooking, rather than before. For instance, topping with fresh diced onions or pickles just before serving adds flavor without extra moisture. You can serve sauces like burger sauce on the side to allow everyone to customize their quesadilla without oversaturating it.
Smashburger Quesadillas – Quick, Cheesy, and Totally Customizable
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Heat: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until water droplets sizzle on contact.
- Assemble Tortillas: Lay tortillas flat and press ground beef onto one half, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Beef: Place tortillas beef-side down on the hot skillet, cooking undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add Cheese and Flip: Flip the tortilla, add cheese, fold, and grill for another 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Serve: Let rest for 1-2 minutes, cut into triangles, and serve with toppings.
