ULTIMATE SMASHBURGER QUESADILLAS RECIPE

Imagine the crispy, buttery crunch of a perfectly grilled quesadilla giving way to the juicy, savory explosion of a smashburger – all in one glorious bite. These Smashburger Quesadillas are about to become your new favorite weeknight meal, combining the best of both worlds in a surprisingly easy and utterly delicious way, trust me, you’ve got this!

The Star Ingredients

Okay, bestie, let’s gather everything we need to make these magical Smashburger Quesadillas happen. Don’t worry, most of this stuff is probably already hanging out in your fridge!

For the Smashburger Patties:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Quesadillas:

• 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
• 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved (or your favorite cheese!)
• 4 slices pepper jack cheese, halved (for a little kick!)
• 1/2 cup finely diced white onion
• 1/4 cup dill pickle chips, chopped (trust me on this one!)
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• Your favorite burger sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo, or a special sauce)

Essential Tools

Let’s make sure we have all the right tools to make the process as smooth as possible. You know I’m all about making cooking fun and stress-free!

• Large cast iron skillet or griddle
• Heavy spatula (a fish spatula works great)
• Small bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions to Smashburger Quesadilla Perfection

Alright, friend, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into a Smashburger Quesadilla masterpiece in no time.

1. Prep the Smashburger Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Form each portion into a loose ball. We’re going for “smashable” not perfectly round.

2. Smash Those Patties!

1. Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so you get that beautiful crust.
2. Place 4 of the ground beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving enough space between them.
3. Immediately smash each ball down with a heavy spatula as thin as possible (about 1/4 inch thick). This is key to getting that crispy, caramelized crust!
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until a dark crust forms on the bottom. Use your spatula to carefully scrape the patties up and flip them.
5. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until cooked through. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining ground beef balls.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay out 4 tortillas on a clean work surface.
2. Spread your favorite burger sauce evenly over each tortilla.
3. Top each tortilla with half of the cheddar cheese slices, followed by half of the pepper jack cheese slices.
4. Evenly distribute the diced onion and chopped pickle chips over the cheese.
5. Place two smashburger patties on top of the onion and pickles on each tortilla.
6. Top with the remaining tortillas.

4. Grill Those Quesadillas!

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
2. Place two quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and repeat with the remaining butter and quesadillas.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the quesadillas cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly delicious Smashburger Quesadillas!

Pro Tips for Smashburger Quesadilla Success

Okay, friend, I want to make sure you nail this recipe, so here are a few extra tips from me to you:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the smashburger patties in batches to ensure they get a good sear. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and steam the patties instead of searing them.
• Use a good spatula: A thin, flexible fish spatula is ideal for scraping the patties off the skillet without tearing them.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to customize your quesadillas with your favorite burger toppings, such as bacon, lettuce, tomato, or avocado.
• Make it ahead: You can cook the smashburger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the quesadillas. Just reheat them slightly before adding them to the quesadillas.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for a little extra heat.
• Cheese choices: Feel free to swap out the cheddar and pepper jack for other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Press it down: Use a panini press or place a heavy skillet on top of the quesadillas while they’re cooking to ensure they get nice and crispy.
• If you love quesadillas, have you tried a Taco Casserole? It is the perfect way to use similar ingredients and turn them into a whole new meal.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Smashburger Quesadillas your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Smashburger Quesadillas: Add some chopped jalapeños to the ground beef mixture or top the quesadillas with a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Quesadillas: Add crispy bacon to the quesadillas for a classic bacon cheeseburger flavor.
• Mushroom and Swiss Smashburger Quesadillas: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and onions and add them to the quesadillas along with Swiss cheese.
• Veggie Smashburger Quesadillas: Use plant-based ground beef and add your favorite veggie toppings for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Breakfast Smashburger Quesadillas: Add a fried egg to the quesadillas for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

What to Serve with Your Smashburger Quesadillas

These Smashburger Quesadillas are a complete meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are a few ideas:

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• A simple green salad
• Pickles and other burger condiments

If you’re in the mood for more handheld goodness, you might enjoy Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich or Italian Grinder Sandwiches. For a party, try Buffalo Chicken Sliders.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Let’s be real, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Quesadillas are burning: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the quesadillas for a longer period of time. You can also add a little bit of oil or butter to the skillet to prevent sticking.
• Cheese isn’t melting: Cover the skillet with a lid while the quesadillas are cooking to help the cheese melt faster. You can also add a splash of water to the skillet and quickly cover it with a lid to create steam that will melt the cheese.
• Patties are tough: Be careful not to overmix the ground beef mixture, as this can make the patties tough. Also, don’t overcook the patties.
• Quesadillas are falling apart: Use large, sturdy tortillas and don’t overfill them. You can also use a toothpick to secure the quesadillas before cooking them.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have any leftover Smashburger Quesadillas (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat, or in a microwave. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Why You’ll Love These Smashburger Quesadillas

Okay, friend, let’s be honest – these Smashburger Quesadillas are seriously addictive. They’re the perfect combination of comfort food and flavor, and they’re so easy to make. Plus, they’re totally customizable, so you can make them exactly the way you like them. These cheesy, beefy delights are quick enough for a weeknight meal, but also impressive enough to serve at a party. You get all the fun of a Chicken Buns but in quesadilla form! They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again. So grab your spatula, fire up the skillet, and get ready to smash some patties and make some quesadillas! And if you’re feeling the burger love, maybe try my Bbq Chicken Mac Heaven sometime! You got this!