Crispy Smashburger Quesadillas: My Latest Dinner Obsession (Print Version)
Smashburger Quesadillas: Your ultimate mashup! Enjoy crispy patties, melty cheese, and all your favorite burger fixings in a cheesy tortilla.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Smashburger Base
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
03 -
4 slices American cheese
04 -
1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1/4 cup finely diced onion
06 -
1/4 cup sliced dill pickles
→ Special Sauce
07 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 -
2 tbsp ketchup
09 -
1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 -
1 tbsp sweet relish
11 -
1/2 tsp paprika
12 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
13 -
1/4 tsp onion powder
→ Cooking Essentials
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 -
2 tbsp butter or neutral oil, divided
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first for your Smashburger Quesadillas, let's get that sauce ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet relish, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined. I always taste it here and adjust; sometimes I need a little more mustard kick, sometimes a touch more relish. This sauce is a game-changer, honestly, don't skip it!
02 -
Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Gently roll them into loose balls – don't compact them too much, or you'll lose that smashburger texture. Season generously with salt and black pepper. I usually do this on a plate to keep my counter clean, but honestly, sometimes flour ends up everywhere. This step is key for flavor, so don't be shy with the seasoning.
03 -
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it's smoking hot. Add a tiny bit of oil. Place a beef ball in the pan, then immediately press it down super thin with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Hold it for about 10-15 seconds to maximize contact and get that crispy crust. I swear, this is where the magic happens! Cook for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy, then flip.
04 -
Immediately after flipping the patty, place an American cheese slice on top. While it melts, lay a large flour tortilla right next to the patty in the same pan. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese onto the tortilla. Once the cheese on the patty is melty, carefully transfer the patty onto the cheesy side of the tortilla. This is where things get a little messy, but it's part of the fun!
05 -
Spoon a generous amount of your special sauce over the burger patty on the tortilla. Sprinkle with some finely diced onion and a few pickle slices. I sometimes get a little heavy-handed with the sauce, but honestly, you can never have too much flavor. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the patty, creating a half-moon shape. Gently press down with your spatula.
06 -
Add a pat of butter to the empty side of the skillet. Carefully slide the folded Smashburger Quesadilla into the butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing occasionally, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and gooey. The smell at this point? Pure heaven! Slice in half and serve immediately. Don't forget to admire your handiwork!
# Notes:
01 -
Pressing the patties super thin is key to that crispy smash.
02 -
The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for days.
03 -
Try pepper jack instead of American for a little kick!
04 -
Serve with a side of extra pickles, honestly, you won't regret it.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or griddle
02 -
sturdy spatula or burger press
03 -
mixing bowls
04 -
whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g