Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible meal. These Homemade Smashburger Quesadillas bring together the juicy, crispy-edged goodness of smashed burgers with the gooey, cheesy satisfaction of quesadillas. It’s the ultimate family-pleasing dinner that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re racing against the clock but still want something delicious that everyone will devour.
Homemade Smashburger Quesadillas
These quesadillas transform ordinary ground beef into something extraordinary. The smashing technique creates those coveted crispy edges that caramelize to perfection, while the interior stays juicy and flavorful. Nestled between two tortillas with melty cheese, this mashup delivers the best of both worlds in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream for serving
- Sliced avocado for serving
- Salsa for serving
How to Make Homemade Smashburger Quesadillas
Prepare the meat mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, half the diced onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Form and smash the patties: Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Divide the beef mixture into 6 balls. Working in batches, add a ball to the hot skillet and immediately smash it flat with a spatula or burger press. Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
Flip and finish cooking: Flip the patties and cook for another minute. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with remaining meat balls.
Assemble the quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium. Place a tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with both cheeses, add a smashed patty, some of the remaining onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Top with another tortilla.
Cook the quesadillas: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden, then carefully flip and cook another 2 minutes until cheese is completely melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Homemade Smashburger Quesadillas cut into quarters with a side of sour cream, sliced avocado, and your favorite salsa. A simple green salad makes the perfect light accompaniment to balance the richness of the quesadillas. For a more substantial meal, add a side of Mexican rice or black beans.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The tortillas may soften a bit, but the flavor remains delicious.
Freezer: You can freeze fully assembled but uncooked quesadillas by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the tortillas soggy.
Helpful Tips
Don’t overwork the meat: Handle the ground beef as little as possible for the juiciest smashburgers.
Use a hot pan: A screaming hot pan is crucial for getting that perfect crust on your smashburgers.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly grated cheese.
Double-stack for extra indulgence: For a more substantial meal, use two smashed patties in each quesadilla.
Recipe Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Add chopped jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick
- Make it breakfast-worthy by adding scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of beef
- Create a BBQ version by adding a splash of barbecue sauce to the meat mixture
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Corn tortillas can work, but they’re smaller and more fragile. If using corn tortillas, make smaller patties and be extra careful when flipping.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the meat mixture into balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for the best results.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the familiar flavors, and you can easily customize individual quesadillas based on preferences. It’s also a fun recipe for kids to help assemble.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding taco seasoning to the meat mixture, or incorporate caramelized onions instead of raw ones. A sprinkle of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving can also amp up the flavor.
Conclusion
These Homemade Smashburger Quesadillas are more than just a quick dinner solution – they’re a crowd-pleasing fusion of flavors that will have your family requesting them again and again. The beauty lies in their simplicity and speed, proving that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to take hours to prepare. Next time you’re facing the weeknight dinner dilemma, remember this 15-minute wonder that combines the best of two comfort food classics.
Looking for more quick and family-friendly dinner ideas? Follow me on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/bikrenCook/ for endless meal inspiration that will keep your dinner rotation fresh and exciting!