Why Make This Recipe
Smashburger Quesadillas combine the best of two beloved comfort foods: the juicy flavor of a hamburger and the crispy delight of a quesadilla. Picture this: you’re cradling it in your hands, and each bite is a perfect blend of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. This recipe is great for family nights, casual lunches, or even parties. Everyone will love them, and they are easy to make!
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas
Making Smashburger Quesadillas is simple and quick. You start by cooking some diced onions in a skillet until they’re soft. Then, add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook this until the meat turns a nice brown color. Once the beef is ready, drain any excess fat and mix in the ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes for that signature burger flavor.
Now, take one large flour tortilla and place it in the skillet. Layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the beef mixture. If pickles are your thing, sprinkle some on too! Finish with the remaining cheese and cover with the second tortilla. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then carefully flip it to brown the other side and melt the cheese inside. Once done, cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve warm!
Ingredients
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pickles (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Directions
- In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, layer half of the cheese, then add the beef mixture, pickles (if using), and top with the remaining cheese.
- Top with the second tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and serve warm.
How to Serve Smashburger Quesadillas
Serve Smashburger Quesadillas while they are warm for the best taste. They pair wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. You can also serve them with a fresh side salad or some crispy fries to complete the meal!
How to Store Smashburger Quesadillas
If you have leftovers, you can store the quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the skillet will keep them crispy.
Tips to Make Smashburger Quesadillas
- Don’t skip the onions! They add a lot of flavor to the beef.
- Feel free to customize your toppings. Add jalapeños for spice or switch up the cheese.
- Use a non-stick skillet to make flipping easier.
- If you want a crunchier quesadilla, cook them a little longer on each side.
Variation
You can turn this recipe into a veggie option by replacing the ground beef with black beans or quinoa. You can also add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- How can I make this recipe healthier?
- You can use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
- What if I don’t have flour tortillas?
- You can use corn tortillas or even low-carb wraps if you prefer.
- Can I freeze Smashburger Quesadillas?
- Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month.
- Can I use leftovers from a burger?
- Definitely! Leftover burger patties can be chopped and used in the quesadilla.
- What can I serve with these quesadillas?
- They go well with sides like fries, a salad, or coleslaw.
- Can I bake these instead of frying?
- Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake them on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes on each side.
- How do I know when they’re done cooking?
- They’re ready when both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted inside.

Smashburger Quesadillas
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, layer half of the cheese, then add the beef mixture, pickles (if using), and top with the remaining cheese.
- Top with the second tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and serve warm.