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If you’re craving a quick, tasty meal, Smashburger Quesadillas are the perfect choice. They combine juicy ground beef, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies all in a crispy tortilla. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this dish in no time. Ready to impress your family or friends? Keep reading to discover how to make these savory quesadillas and unlock some awesome tips!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute gathering.
- Cheesy Goodness: With a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, every bite is an explosion of flavor and creaminess.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, making each quesadilla uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Sharing: These quesadilla wedges are great for sharing with friends and family, and they pair wonderfully with salsa and sour cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Smashburger Quesadillas
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Additional Ingredients
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– ½ cup tomatoes, diced
– ½ cup pickles, sliced
– Salsa and sour cream for serving
Seasoning Overview
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Smashburger quesadillas are fun to make and eat. You start with ground beef, which gives you that juicy, savory flavor. The flour tortillas are soft and hold everything together well. For cheese, I love using cheddar and Monterey Jack. They melt beautifully and add that creamy texture.
Next, let’s add more flavor with some fresh veggies. I slice up red onions, and they give a nice crunch. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles add freshness and a little tang.
We can’t forget about seasoning! Garlic powder and onion powder bring out that rich taste in the beef. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances everything. With these ingredients, you get a tasty, satisfying meal perfect for any day.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Cook the beef for about 6 to 8 minutes. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want it browned and fully cooked. If you see excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it away. This keeps your quesadillas from being greasy.
Assembling the Quesadillas
Grab 4 large flour tortillas. Lay them flat on a clean surface. On one half of each tortilla, add a generous scoop of the cooked ground beef mixture. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the beef. For extra flavor, add some thinly sliced red onion on top. This will add a nice crunch and sweetness.
Cooking Method
Now it’s time to cook the quesadillas. Carefully fold each tortilla in half to form a half-moon shape. Heat a small drizzle of oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want the tortilla to turn golden brown and crispy. The cheese should melt perfectly inside. This step gives your quesadillas that delicious crunch.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Smashburger Quesadillas
To make the best Smashburger quesadillas, choose a heavy skillet. A cast-iron skillet works well. It spreads heat evenly. Use a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Olive oil or vegetable oil are great choices.
Cook your quesadillas at medium heat. This helps the cheese melt without burning the tortilla. Aim for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want a golden-brown color. This gives a nice crunch and flavor.
Presentation Tips
When serving, cut your quesadillas into wedges. Arrange them in a circle on a platter. This makes them look inviting and fun. Place salsa and sour cream in small bowls in the middle. This adds color and makes it easy to dip.
For a final touch, add fresh cilantro on top. It brightens the dish and adds a nice flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overfilling the quesadillas. If you add too much filling, they can be hard to cook. Stick to a good amount of beef and cheese.
Another mistake is not letting the cheese melt fully. This can make your quesadillas chewy instead of gooey. Make sure to cook them long enough. The cheese should be hot and stretchy for the best taste.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavors of your quesadillas.
- Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the quesadillas; this will make them difficult to flip and could lead to spills.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese: For the best melted cheese, cover the skillet with a lid while cooking to trap heat and ensure even melting.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different spices or toppings, such as jalapeños or avocado, to customize your quesadillas to your taste.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the ground beef for chicken or turkey. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or mushrooms instead. These swaps keep the flavors bold and fun. For cheese, try Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or use mozzarella for a milder taste. Both options melt well and add a creamy texture to your quesadilla.
Flavor Enhancements
Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. You can also mix in spices like cumin for depth. If you prefer veggies, consider bell peppers, corn, or spinach. These choices add color and crunch to your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your quesadillas with sides like Spanish rice or a fresh salad. A side of guacamole adds creaminess and taste. For dipping sauces, salsa and sour cream are classics. You can also try ranch dressing or a zesty chipotle sauce to switch things up.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To store your quesadillas, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pull them out and heat them up.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze cooked quesadillas for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, take them out and thaw overnight in the fridge. For quick heating, place them in a microwave for a minute or so.
Reheating Tips
To keep your quesadillas crispy when reheating, use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add a little oil. Place your quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method helps avoid sogginess. You can also use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy finish. Always check if the cheese is melted and gooey before serving!
FAQs
How do I make quesadillas crispy?
To make your quesadillas crispy, use a hot skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Use just enough oil to coat the bottom. This helps the tortilla become golden and crunchy.
Cook each quesadilla for 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them! Flip them carefully to avoid spilling the filling. You can also use a spatula to press down while cooking. This helps the cheese melt nicely and gives a good crunch.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas. They have a different taste and texture than flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more firm and have a slight sweetness. They can be a bit more fragile and may break when folding.
If you choose corn, heat them in the skillet before adding the filling. This makes them easier to fold. The flavor of corn tortillas pairs well with the beef and cheese. It adds a nice twist to your quesadilla.
What are the best toppings for Smashburger Quesadillas?
The best toppings for Smashburger quesadillas include fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles. These add crunch and freshness. You can also try adding jalapeños for heat.
Salsa and sour cream are great for dipping. They enhance the flavors and add creaminess. Feel free to get creative! Try using avocado or guacamole for a richer taste. These toppings make your meal fun and flavorful.
Smashburger quesadillas are easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients like ground beef and cheeses, plus tips for cooking and assembling. Don’t forget to avoid common mistakes like overfilling. You can swap out ingredients for exciting variations. Storing leftovers is simple; just follow the tips for freezing and reheating. Experiment with flavors and toppings to make these quesadillas your own. Enjoy the crunch and taste of your homemade creation
Smashburger Quesadillas
Delicious quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef, cheeses, and fresh toppings.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 0.5 cup tomatoes, diced
- 0.5 cup pickles, sliced
- Salsa and sour cream for serving
Prepare the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it's browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If excess fat accumulates, carefully drain it from the skillet.
Assemble Quesadillas: Take each tortilla and place it flat on a clean surface. On one half of each tortilla, layer a generous amount of the cooked ground beef mixture. Follow up with an even sprinkle of both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. For an extra flavor burst, scatter some thinly sliced red onion on top.
Fold and Cook: Carefully fold each tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. In a separate clean skillet, heat a small drizzle of oil over medium heat. Gently place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted to perfection.
Finish and Serve: Once your quesadillas are cooked, remove them from the skillet and allow them to cool for about 1-2 minutes. Slice each quesadilla into 3-4 wedges for easy serving. Present with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles arranged alongside. Don't forget to offer salsa and sour cream for dipping!
For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the quesadilla wedges neatly on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
Keyword beef, cheese, easy recipe, quesadillas
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