This Viral Smash Burger Quesadilla is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the juicy, crispy-edged perfection of a smash burger with the cheesy, convenient format of a quesadilla. This recipe features a seasoned ground beef patty, smashed thin and cooked directly onto a large flour tortilla until a perfect crust forms. It’s then loaded with melty American cheese, tangy burger sauce, and folded into a golden-brown, handheld masterpiece.
This is the kind of fun, easy, and ridiculously delicious meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a crowd-pleasing game day snack. Forget choosing between a burger or a quesadilla—this recipe gives you the best of both worlds in one incredible bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds: All the amazing flavor of a smash burger in an easy-to-eat quesadilla form.
- Quick & Easy: A super fast, one-pan meal that’s ready in about 15 minutes.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The beef gets an amazing crust by being smashed and cooked directly on the tortilla.
- Fun & Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 4 large Burrito-Sized Flour Tortillas
- 8 slices American Cheese
- 1 Yellow Onion, very thinly sliced
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Butter or Oil, for the skillet
- For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, paprika, and onion powder. Set aside.
- Prep the Beef: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions (4 oz each) and gently roll them into balls. Do not overwork the meat.
- Assemble: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Immediately place one ball of ground beef in the center of the tortilla.
- Smash: Place a piece of parchment paper over the beef and use a heavy, flat spatula or another pan to smash the beef into a thin, even layer that covers most of the tortilla. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Let the beef cook for 3-4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom. You can top the cooking beef with some of the thinly sliced onions.
- Flip: Carefully flip the entire tortilla and beef patty over so the beef side is now down.
- Add Toppings and Fold: Immediately place two slices of American cheese on top of the beef. Spread a generous amount of the burger sauce over the cheese. Fold the quesadilla in half.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy on both sides and the cheese is completely melted.
- Serve: Transfer to a cutting board, let it rest for a minute, then slice in half and serve immediately with extra burger sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: The key to a true smash burger is a hot pan and not overworking the meat. The smash creates maximum contact with the pan, resulting in that signature crispy crust (Maillard reaction).
- Add Pickles: For a classic burger experience, add a few dill pickle slices on top of the cheese before folding.
- Different Cheese: While American cheese provides the perfect melt, sharp cheddar or pepper jack would also be delicious.
- Caramelized Onions: For a gourmet touch, quickly caramelize the onions in the pan before you start assembling the quesadillas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I keep the tortilla from getting soggy?
- Cooking on a hot skillet ensures the tortilla crisps up quickly. The fat from the 80/20 beef also helps to essentially fry the tortilla as the beef cooks, creating a barrier.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- These are definitely best served fresh and hot to enjoy the crispy texture. Reheating can make the tortilla lose its crunch.
- What’s the best way to flip it without making a mess?
- Use a large, wide spatula. Slide it underneath the tortilla and use your other hand to steady the top as you flip quickly and confidently.
Serving Suggestions
- These smash burger quesadillas are a fantastic meal on their own, served hot with a side of extra burger sauce for dipping. They are also great with a side of french fries, tater tots, or a simple side salad.
Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Enjoy all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger wrapped up in a crispy, golden tortilla. These Cheeseburger Quesadillas pair perfectly with a cool wedge salad and homemade special sauce for a fun, 30-minute dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Wipe out the skillet and spray with nonstick spray. Heat over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet. On one half, layer 1/2 cup cheese, 1/4 of the cooked beef, and pickle slices if using. Sprinkle another 1/2 cup cheese on top and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook each quesadilla for 2 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a plate, cover to keep warm, and repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut each quesadilla in half.
- Place one wedge of lettuce on each plate. Top with chopped shallots and tomatoes. Drizzle with some of the special sauce.
- Plate two quesadilla halves per serving alongside the salad. Drizzle both with additional special sauce and serve extra sauce on the side.
