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A stack of three golden-brown smashburger quesadillas on a plate, garnished with fresh herbs and ready to serve.

Smashburger Quesadillas: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food mashup! Our Smashburger Quesadillas feature a crispy, seasoned beef patty smashed thin and layered with gooey cheese in a golden-fried tortilla, all brought together with a tangy secret sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 recommended
  • 4 Large Flour Tortillas Burrito-size
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Butter or Oil for the skillet
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Diced Pickles or Relish
  • 1 tsp White Vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Paprika

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet or Griddle
  • 1 Sturdy Metal Spatula
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, diced pickles, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (about ¼ lb each) and gently roll them into balls.
  3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place a beef ball on the hot surface and immediately use a sturdy metal spatula to smash it into a very thin patty. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until a brown crust forms.
  4. Flip the patty. Immediately place one tortilla on top, followed by ½ cup of shredded cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese start melting.
  5. Using a spatula, flip the entire assembly so the tortilla is on the bottom. Spread special sauce over the beef, then fold the tortilla in half. Add butter to the pan if needed and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a minute, then slice. Repeat for the remaining quesadillas and serve hot with extra sauce.

Notes

Tip 1: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. The fat content helps create a delicious, crispy crust.
Tip 2: Grate your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, meltiest results.
Tip 3: Don't be afraid to press the burger patty very firmly. The thinner it is, the crispier the edges will be.