Smashburger Quesadillas: 20-Minute Best Ultimate Recipe

You guys, I am literally obsessed with this recipe. Imagine the best cheeseburger you have ever had, but instead of a bun, it is wrapped in a crispy, buttery tortilla. It is like a quesadilla and a smashburger had a baby, and it is the best thing that ever happened to my kitchen. This recipe went viral for a reason. It is easy, it is fast, and it is so satisfying. I remember the first time I tried the smash technique on my griddle. Seeing those lacy, browned edges of the meat form right before my eyes totally changed my dinner game forever. I never looked back, and once you try it, you will not either.

Why You Will Love These Smashburger Quesadillas

You are going to love these because the texture is just out of this world. You get that soft, chewy tortilla on the outside and then this incredible, crispy beef on the inside. It is a total flavor bomb. Plus, if you are like me and always running late, this is a lifesaver. You can have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. It is perfect for families because you can customize the toppings for everyone. Even the pickiest eaters will go crazy for these because they are just so fun to eat.

Ingredients for Smashburger Quesadillas

You do not need anything fancy for these, just some good quality basics. Here is what you should grab at the store.

• Ground beef. Get the 80/20 blend for maximum juiciness. You need that fat to get the perfect crust.
• Flour tortillas. The taco size works best for flipping and folding.
• American cheese or sharp cheddar. You want something that melts really well.
• Thinly sliced yellow onions. The thinner the better.
• Pickles and shredded lettuce for the topping.
• Salt and black pepper for seasoning.
• Secret burger sauce. Just mix some mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish together.

How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas Step-by-Step

Making these is all about the timing and the heat. Do not be afraid to get that pan hot. Here is how I do it.

Preparing the Beef

First, you want to portion your beef into small, loose balls. Don’t overwork the meat or it will become tough and lose that tender texture we want. We are looking for light and airy. Only add your salt and pepper after you have smashed the meat onto the pan.

The Smashed Technique

This is the most important part of the whole process. Your pan needs to be screaming hot. Place the beef ball down on the griddle, then put the tortilla right on top of it. Take a heavy spatula and press down as hard as you can. You want that meat to be paper thin and spread out under the tortilla. This creates that amazing smashburger crust.

Flipping and Melting

The meat side only needs about 2 to 3 minutes to cook through and get crispy. Once it is ready, flip the whole thing over so the tortilla is now touching the heat. Add your cheese to the meat side, let it start to melt, and then fold the tortilla in half. It only takes another minute to get the tortilla golden brown.

Pro Tips for Perfect Smashburger Quesadillas

I have made these a million times, and these tips will help you get it right on the first try. A little bit of technique goes a long way here.

• Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it holds the heat so much better for even cooking.
• Do not use too much oil in the pan. The fat from the beef will provide enough lubrication for the tortilla to get perfectly crispy.
• Use a heavy weight or even a second heavy pan if you do not have a professional burger press.
• Keep the onions paper thin so they steam through and soften during the very short cook time.
• Wait for the pan to smoke just a little bit before adding the meat to ensure that a deep brown crust forms immediately.

Common Questions About Smashburger Quesadillas

• Can I use ground turkey? Yes, you can, but turkey is a lot leaner and might stick to the pan. Use a little bit of oil if you go this route.
• How do I keep the tortilla from burning? Keep your heat at medium high and move quickly once you flip the tortilla over. It browns fast.
• Is the meat fully cooked? Yes. Because the meat layer is smashed so thin, it cooks all the way through in under 3 minutes.

Nutritional Facts for Smashburger Quesadillas

These are the estimated numbers for one quesadilla serving.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sodium: 850mg

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