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- 1 pound ground beef - 4 large flour tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh diced tomatoes - 1/4 cup pickles, finely diced - 1/4 cup diced red onion - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon ketchup For perfect Smashburger Quesadillas, use fresh ground beef. I like 80/20 beef for flavor and juiciness. Flour tortillas should be large enough to hold your filling without tearing. For cheese, I combine sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack. This mix melts beautifully and adds great taste. Seasonings are key to enhancing the beef's flavor. Onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika create a rich, savory base. Salt and pepper balance the dish. Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, pickles, and red onion add crunch and freshness. Don't forget the dipping sauce! A mix of mayonnaise and ketchup offers a tangy kick. It complements the quesadillas well. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Combine 1 pound of ground beef with the following seasonings: - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Use your hands to mix everything well. This is key for flavor. Next, divide the beef mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a small, flat patty. Make sure they are not too thick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. It's important to let the skillet get hot. Once it is ready, place each beef patty in the skillet. Press down on each patty with a spatula. This gives you that smashburger style. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them browned and juicy. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet. Let them rest for a moment while you prepare the quesadillas. Lay one large flour tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over one half of the tortilla. Place one smashburger patty on top of the cheese. Now, add layers of diced tomatoes, pickles, and red onion. Sprinkle more cheese on top. Then, fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. This creates a half-moon shape. Next, return the skillet to the heat. Drizzle some cooking oil into the skillet. Wait for the oil to heat up. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on one side. You want it crispy and golden brown. Using tongs or a spatula, flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Again, ensure it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet. Let it cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. To cook a quesadilla perfectly, use medium heat. This keeps the tortilla from burning while allowing the cheese to melt. Flip the quesadilla carefully to avoid spills. To prevent filling leaks, avoid overstuffing. Keep the filling to one side of the tortilla. Fold it gently over the filling. This technique helps seal everything inside. For extra flavor, consider adding fresh jalapeños or some hot sauce. These will give your quesadilla a nice kick. You can also mix in spices like cumin or chili powder for more depth. When it comes to cheese, cheddar and Monterey Jack are great. They melt well and create a creamy texture. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, pickles, and onions will enhance the flavor of your quesadillas, making them taste even more delicious. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry one quesadilla at a time to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tortillas. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Pepper Jack or Gouda can add a unique twist to your quesadilla. Let It Rest: Allow the cooked quesadillas to rest for a minute before cutting. This helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner slices. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your quesadillas. Ground turkey or chicken works great. These leaner meats keep the dish light. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. Both add flavor and protein. You can also use crumbled tofu for a plant-based twist. Just season it well to match the quesadilla vibe. To amp up the flavor, consider adding jalapeños for some heat. They bring a nice kick that pairs well with the cheeses. You can also try different cheeses. Pepper Jack adds spice while Gouda offers a smooth, creamy texture. If you want a themed dish, think about Southwest flavors. Use corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. For a BBQ twist, swap the mayonnaise for BBQ sauce. Add some cooked bacon or pulled pork for extra richness. These easy changes keep your quesadillas fun and exciting! To keep leftover quesadillas fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the quesadillas to cool completely. - Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or foil. - Place them in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps them safe and tasty. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, you want to keep that crispiness. Here are the best methods: - Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy. - Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place quesadillas on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy. - Air Fryer Method: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadilla in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. These methods ensure your quesadillas stay delicious and crunchy, just like when you first made them! Yes, you can prepare the quesadillas in advance. Here are some tips for storage: - Cook the beef and assemble the quesadillas. - Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Cover them with plastic wrap or foil. - Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, cook them right from the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can pair these quesadillas with various sides and dips: - Fresh guacamole adds a creamy texture. - Salsa provides a zesty kick. - Serve with sour cream for a cool contrast. - A side of crispy tortilla chips is great too. These options enhance the flavor and make your meal more fun. Yes, you can make these quesadillas gluten-free. Here are some ideas: - Use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour ones. - Check that your beef and seasonings are gluten-free. - You can try using corn tortillas as a tasty option. These swaps let everyone enjoy this dish without worries. You learned how to make delicious Smashburger quesadillas using ground beef, tortillas, and cheese. We explored key ingredients, cooking techniques, and tasty variations to suit your taste. Remember to pick your favorite seasonings and toppings for extra flavor. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later and reheat them for that perfect crisp. Now, you can impress friends and family with your quesadilla skills. Enjoy the fun of cooking!

Smashburger Quesadillas

Delicious quesadillas filled with seasoned smashburger patties, cheese, and fresh toppings, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
  • 1 4th cup pickles, finely diced
  • 1 4th cup diced red onion
  • 1 4th cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • as needed Cooking oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix it together until all ingredients are well blended.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a small, flat patty. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place each patty into the skillet, pressing them down with a spatula to achieve that signature smashburger effect. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they're browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them sit for a moment.
  • Lay one flour tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over one half of the tortilla. Place one smashburger patty on top of the cheese. Add a layer of diced tomatoes, pickles, and red onion. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top before folding the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
  • Return the skillet to the heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side until it's crispy and golden brown. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring it’s equally crispy.
  • Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and allow it to cool for about a minute. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the quesadilla into wedges for easy serving.
  • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and ketchup together to create a tangy dipping sauce.
  • Plate the quesadilla wedges while they’re hot, served alongside the dipping sauce for a delightful finish.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding jalapeños or avocado.
Keyword beef, cheese, quesadillas, smashburger