Smashburger Quesadillas bring together the juicy, crispy goodness of a smashburger with the gooey, melty cheese and soft tortilla you love in quesadillas. Think sizzling, smashed beef patties layered with melted cheese, maybe some onions or pickles, all tucked inside a toasted tortilla that’s golden and perfectly crisp.
I love making these when I want something quick but super satisfying. The best part is smashing the burger right in the pan to get that nice crust on the meat, then folding it up with cheese so every bite is full of flavor and melty goodness. It feels like having two favorites in one, and I always find myself sneaking a few more bites than I planned.
These quesadillas are great for a casual dinner or even a fun game day snack. I like serving them with a side of salsa or some creamy guacamole to balance the hearty burger flavors. They’re also super easy to customize—add avocado, jalapeños, or a little hot sauce to make them your own. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a go-to whenever you want a tasty twist on both burgers and quesadillas.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I recommend 80/20 for the right mix of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, 90/10 works but might be a bit less juicy. For a vegetarian version, crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground works well.
Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds sharpness. Mixing cheddar with American cheese gives a creamier melt. You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
Tortillas: Use large flour tortillas for flexibility and crisping. If gluten-free, try corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps, but watch carefully while flipping as they can be more delicate.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika lift the beef’s flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder add a nice warmth.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch on Smashburger Quesadillas?
The secret is in both the burger smashing technique and the quesadilla cooking. First, when you cook the beef, let it sit briefly before smashing. This creates a tasty brown crust that adds texture and flavor.
- Heat skillet medium-high, add beef, don’t stir right away—wait 2 minutes.
- Press down firmly with spatula to create a thin layer, then let it brown without moving for a minute or two.
- Once browned, break up the beef and season.
- For the quesadilla, cook folded tortillas on medium heat with butter or oil until golden and crispy, about 3-4 mins per side.
- Flip carefully to keep the filling inside and check that the cheese melts fully.
This slow, steady cooking is key to avoid burnt outsides and cold inside. Taking your time makes a big difference in crunch and melt!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for smashing the beef and getting that crispy crust.
- Spatula – you’ll need a sturdy one to press the burger thin and flip the quesadillas easily.
- Cheese grater – fresh shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for slicing quesadillas cleanly into wedges.
- Plate lined with paper towels – handy for draining excess fat from cooked beef.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter quesadilla option.
- Try pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier, slightly spicy melt.
- Add sautéed onions or bell peppers inside for extra sweetness and texture.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
Smashburger Quesadillas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and American cheese)
- 3 tbsp butter or oil, for cooking
- Pickle slices (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total: 10 minutes to cook and season the beef, 5 minutes to assemble the quesadillas, and about 5 minutes to cook them until golden and melty.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook and Season the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and let it sit without stirring for 2 minutes to build a flavorful crust. Then, use a spatula to smash the beef into a thin layer. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. About halfway, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if using. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Assemble Your Quesadillas:
Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle about half a cup of shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Spread a good layer of the cooked smashburger beef over the cheese. Add pickle slices if you like them. Then top with another ¼ to ½ cup of cheese to help everything stick. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
3. Cook the Quesadillas:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place your folded quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip it and cook the other side until golden and the cheese inside melts, about another 3 minutes.
4. Repeat and Serve:
Remove the quesadilla onto a plate and keep warm. Repeat the assembly and cooking with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once done, slice each quesadilla into wedges. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as dipping options.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for Smashburger Quesadillas?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps cook the beef evenly and prevents excess moisture in the pan, which can affect the crust texture.
Can I Make Smashburger Quesadillas Ahead of Time?
You can prep the cooked beef and assemble the quesadillas ahead but cook them just before serving for best texture. Reheat assembled quesadillas in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best crispness or briefly in the microwave if in a hurry (though they may soften).
What Are Good Sides to Serve with Smashburger Quesadillas?
Try serving with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. A simple side salad or chips and pico de gallo also pair nicely for a complete meal.
