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Ultimate Smashburger Quesadillas

These Smashburger Quesadillas combine the crispy, buttery crunch of a quesadilla with the juicy, savory flavors of a smashburger. This easy weeknight meal is a delicious and satisfying fusion of two classic favorites, perfect for a quick and fun dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 800

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 large flour tortillas burrito size
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, halved
  • 4 slices pepper jack cheese, halved
  • 1/2 cup finely diced white onion
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle chips, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • Your favorite burger sauce ketchup, mustard, mayo, or special sauce

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet or griddle
  • Heavy spatula (fish spatula recommended)
  • Small bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix until just combined.
  2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Form each portion into a loose ball.
  3. Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  4. Place 4 of the ground beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving enough space between them.
  5. Immediately smash each ball down with a heavy spatula as thin as possible (about 1/4 inch thick).
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Lay out 4 tortillas on a clean work surface.
  9. Spread your favorite burger sauce evenly over each tortilla.
  10. Top each tortilla with half of the cheddar cheese slices, followed by half of the pepper jack cheese slices.
  11. Evenly distribute the diced onion and chopped pickle chips over the cheese.
  12. Place two smashburger patties on top of the onion and pickles on each tortilla.
  13. Top with the remaining tortillas.
  14. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
  15. 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.
  16. Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and repeat with the remaining butter and quesadillas.
  17. Let the quesadillas cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
  18. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly delicious Smashburger Quesadillas!

Notes

Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the patties. Use a thin, flexible spatula. Customize toppings with bacon, lettuce, tomato, or avocado. Cook patties ahead and store in refrigerator. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Swap cheeses for provolone, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese. Press quesadillas down with a panini press or heavy skillet for crispier results. Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.