Smashburger quesadillas are the genius mashup you didn’t know you needed. Think crispy, lacy-edged smash patties loaded with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a golden buttery tortilla.
If you love smashburgers and you love quesadillas, this is about to become your new obsession.
Trust me, once you try this combo, there’s no going back.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic here is all about the contrast. You get that irresistible crispy-edged smashed beef on the inside, paired with melty American cheese that practically fuses everything together.
Then you wrap it all in a buttered flour tortilla and griddle it until it’s golden and crunchy on the outside.
It’s crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside. Absolute perfection.
The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it a great way to get a mouthwatering dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things super easy with just a handful of pantry staples.
You’ll need ground beef (80/20 is the way to go for those crispy edges), American cheese, flour tortillas, a white onion, butter, and a few basic seasonings.
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no special equipment beyond a good cast iron skillet.
Tips for the Crispiest Smash Patties
The key to a great smash patty is a screaming hot skillet. You want it smoking before you even think about putting the beef down.
Use small balls of beef — about 2 ounces each — and smash them as flat as you can. The thinner the patty, the crispier those lacy edges get.
Don’t touch it once it’s down! Let it cook undisturbed for a solid 2-3 minutes so you get that incredible crust.
How to Assemble
Once your patties are done, reduce the heat to medium. Butter one side of a tortilla and lay it butter-side down in the skillet.
Stack two cheesy patties on one half, fold it over, and press gently. Cook for a couple minutes per side until you get that golden, crispy shell.
Let me tell you, that first bite with the cheese pull is out of this world.
Serving Suggestions
These smashburger quesadillas are incredible on their own, but a few extras really take them to the next level.
I love serving them with a side of crinkle-cut fries and a quick ketchup-mayo dipping sauce. Pickled jalapeños on the side are a must if you like a little heat.
You could also go with a simple side salad or some pickles to cut through the richness.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Add some crumbled bacon inside for a bacon smashburger quesadilla. Phenomenal.
You could also throw in some pickles and a drizzle of special sauce for that classic fast-food vibe.
For a spicy kick, mix some sriracha into the cheese or add fresh jalapeños before folding. You can’t go wrong with any of these combos!
Smashburger Quesadillas
Ingredients
For the Smash Patties
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Quesadillas
- 4 large flour tortillas burrito size
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 medium white onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter for griddling
- Pickled jalapeños optional, for serving
Instructions
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz each). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat until smoking hot. Place a beef ball on the skillet and immediately smash it flat with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Season the top with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and lacy.
- Flip the patty, place a slice of American cheese on top, and add a small handful of diced onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove and repeat with remaining beef balls.
- Reduce heat to medium. Butter one side of a flour tortilla and place it butter-side down in the skillet. Layer 2 smashed patties with cheese and onions on one half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half over the filling and press gently with the spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then cut into triangles. Serve with pickled jalapeños, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Final Thoughts
These smashburger quesadillas are hands down one of the best easy dinner ideas I’ve made this year. They’re fast, insanely delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up game day snacks, this recipe hits the spot every single time.
Give it a try — you’re in for a treat!
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