Introduction

Smashburger quesadillas are a fun and flavorful twist on two classic favorites: burgers and quesadillas. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef with melted cheese inside crispy tortillas for an easy meal everyone will love.

A stack of three quesadilla slices, each made of two grilled white tortillas with a golden-brown, slightly charred surface. Between each tortilla layer is a thick filling of cooked ground beef mixed with melted yellow and white cheese, along with small bits of green pickles or peppers. The quesadilla pieces are sprinkled lightly with chopped fresh green herbs. They sit on a dark wooden board with a few scattered herb leaves, and blurred red cherry tomatoes and small bowls are visible in the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to season)
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
Optional: pickles, diced onions, burger sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Press a small handful of ground beef directly onto one half of each tortilla. Season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Place the tortillas beef-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned.
Step 4: Flip the tortillas, sprinkle the cheese over the cooked beef, then fold the tortillas in half. Grill both sides until crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Slice the quesadillas and serve with your favorite burger toppings or dipping sauce, such as pickles, diced onions, or burger sauce.

Tips & Variations

Use a non-stick skillet or lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and help the quesadillas crisp up nicely.
Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick.
Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

Storage

Store leftover smashburger quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy, or microwave briefly if short on time.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of three folded quesadilla pieces on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a toasted, slightly browned white tortilla exterior with a soft, slightly crispy texture. Inside, there are two visible layers of melted bright yellow cheese and cooked ground beef mixed with green peppers that fill the quesadilla generously. The layers alternate: tortilla, cheese, beef mix, tortilla, cheese, beef mix, ending with a tortilla on top. The stack is placed near some sliced pickles and a small garnish of green herb visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack depending on your taste preference.

Can I prepare these quesadillas ahead of time?

You can assemble them ahead but it’s best to cook them just before serving to keep the tortillas crispy and the cheese melted.

Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

This Smashburger Quesadillas recipe combines the savory flavors of a classic smashburger with the melty, crispy goodness of a quesadilla. Ground beef is seasoned and pressed onto flour tortillas, grilled with cheese, then folded and cooked until golden brown, making a deliciously quick and satisfying meal or snack perfect for burger lovers.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

1 lb ground beef
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste

Quesadilla Base

4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese

Optional Toppings and Serving

Pickles, sliced
Diced onions
Burger sauce or preferred dipping sauce

Instructions

Preheat the skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to brown the meat well.
Season and press beef: Take a small handful of ground beef and press it directly onto one half of each flour tortilla, forming a thin layer. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook the beef side: Place the tortilla beef-side down onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is well browned and begins to firm up.
Flip and add cheese: Carefully flip the tortilla so the beef side is up. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese evenly over the cooked beef, fold the tortilla in half over the meat and cheese.
Grill the quesadilla: Continue cooking the folded quesadilla, flipping as needed, until both sides are crispy and golden brown and the cheese inside has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Slice and serve: Remove from the skillet, slice into wedges, and serve hot with optional burger toppings such as pickles, diced onions, and your favorite burger sauce or dipping sauce.

Notes

Use medium-high heat for a nice crust on the beef without burning the tortilla.
Press the beef thinly for even cooking and a crispy texture.
Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese or toppings for extra flavor.
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the tortillas to prevent sticking.
These quesadillas are best served immediately for peak crispness and melty cheese.

Keywords: Smashburger quesadilla, beef quesadilla, quick dinner, cheesy quesadilla, skillet quesadilla, ground beef recipe