Smashburger Quesadillas

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Golden crispy on the outside, cheesy and juicy on the inside — Smashburger Quesadillas are the kind of crave-worthy meal that brings serious flavor with minimal effort. Think of your favorite juicy burger patties smashed thin, then tucked inside a melty quesadilla with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and a kiss of char from the skillet.

Whether it’s game day, movie night, or a quick dinner after a long day, these quesadillas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces, and they’re perfect for dipping into sour cream, guacamole, or even a spicy chipotle mayo.

Why You’ll Love This Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe

• Combines the best of burgers and quesadillas in one bite.
• Easy to make in under 30 minutes.
• Kid-friendly and customizable.
• Perfect for meal prepping or party platters.
• Pairs well with dips, fries, or even a simple salad.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Flour tortillas are ideal for this recipe because they crisp up nicely in the pan and hold all the juicy fillings without tearing. Choose a medium to large size (about 8-10 inches) for the perfect fold and filling ratio. If you want a gluten-free option, go with high-quality gluten-free flour tortillas that are soft and pliable.

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Ingredients for the Smashburger Quesadillas

• Ground beef: The star of the recipe. Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of juicy and flavorful.
• Flour tortillas: Essential for a crispy, golden exterior that holds the filling without getting soggy.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy flavor to every bite.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and that irresistible cheese pull.
• Diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and a pop of color.
• White onion: Provides a bit of crunch and savory depth.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to let the beef shine.
• Garlic powder: For an extra layer of flavor in the beef.
• Butter or oil: To crisp up the tortillas perfectly in the skillet.

How To Make the Smashburger Quesadillas

Step 1: Season and Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, then drain excess fat.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, diced tomatoes, and chopped onion. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out tortillas and sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on one half of each. Add the beef mixture over the cheese, then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Melt butter or heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove from the skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Slice into wedges and serve hot with your favorite dips.

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How to Serve and Store These Smashburger Quesadillas

These quesadillas are best served fresh off the skillet when the cheese is melted and the tortilla is perfectly crisp. They make a fantastic main dish for lunch, dinner, or party trays. Slice them into halves or thirds and serve with dips like sour cream, salsa, or chipotle mayo.

This recipe yields about 4 full quesadillas and comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people depending on how you serve them. For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain their crispy texture—avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch!

What to Serve With Smashburger Quesadillas?

1. Guacamole

Creamy, zesty guacamole balances the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully.

2. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt Dip

Classic and cooling, this adds a smooth contrast to the bold flavors.

3. Spicy Chipotle Mayo

A smoky kick that pairs perfectly with the savory quesadilla.

4. Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Sweet, spicy, and tangy—a fun and flavorful side that complements every bite.

5. Fries or Sweet Potato Fries

Double down on the comfort food vibes with a side of crispy fries.

6. Crisp Green Salad

A refreshing counterpoint to the hearty quesadillas.

7. Pickled Jalapeños or Pickled Red Onions

Add tang and a touch of heat to each bite.

8. Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice

Round out the meal with a simple but satisfying grain side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and prep the filling a day in advance. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to keep them crispy.

What’s the best cheese combo for these quesadillas?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works beautifully. You can also try pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a little spice.

Can I freeze them?
While they’re best fresh, you can freeze cooked quesadillas. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to a month. Reheat in the oven or skillet for best results.

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work well as substitutions.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add jalapeños or stick with the basics? Did you try it with a spicy sauce?
I love hearing your twists on these quesadillas. Questions are always welcome—let’s make every bite better together.

Check out more fun and easy meal ideas on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Smashburger Quesadillas are the ultimate mashup of juicy burgers and cheesy quesadilla goodness. They’re fast, flavorful, and full of personality—perfect for any meal where you want comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just need a weeknight dinner idea, this one hits the spot every single time.

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