Some nights, the dinner debate in our house is a real doozy. One kid wants burgers, another is begging for tacos, and my youngest just wants anything with melted cheese. On one of those particularly chaotic Tuesday evenings, staring at a package of ground beef and a stack of tortillas, a lightbulb went off.

Why not combine them all? Why not create the ultimate mashup that would make everyone happy? That, my friends, was the moment the legendary Smashburger Quesadillas were born in our kitchen.

It’s the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla wrapped around the juicy, savory, perfectly seared flavor of a smash burger. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a peace treaty for picky eaters and a total game-changer for busy weeknights.

These incredible Smashburger Quesadillas have become our family’s most requested dinner, and I have a feeling they’re about to become yours, too. Forget choosing between two favorites, because this smashed burger quesadilla gives you the best of both worlds in every single bite.

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Why You’ll Love These Amazing Smashburger Quesadillas

There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this recipe, but here are the highlights that make these Smashburger Quesadillas a staple in our home. I promise, once you try this incredible burger-quesadilla hybrid, you’ll understand the hype!

Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, you can have these on the table in under 30 minutes. The “smash” technique cooks the beef patties in just a couple of minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to get that amazing burger flavor.
Family-Approved: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids love the cheesy, familiar format of a quesadilla, and adults appreciate the savory, satisfying taste of a juicy burger. It’s a win-win for everyone at the table.
Perfectly Portioned: Each smash burger quesadilla is a self-contained meal. There are no messy buns to deal with, making them easy for little hands to hold and enjoy without a huge mess.
Deliciously Different: It breaks the boring dinner routine! You get the satisfying crunch from a golden-brown tortilla, the rich flavor of a seared beef patty, and the ooey-gooey pull of melted cheese. This quesadilla smash burger is truly a flavor and texture explosion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Smashburger Quesadilla recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create something truly spectacular.

For the Smash Burger Patties:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Special Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1/4 tsp onion powder

For Assembly:

8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great)
1/2 small white onion, very thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter or neutral oil, for cooking

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about making Smashburger Quesadillas is how easily you can customize them. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what your family loves!

Meat: Not a fan of beef? Ground turkey or ground chicken work wonderfully as a substitute. Just be sure to cook them through.
Cheese: The cheese possibilities are endless! Try spicy Pepper Jack for a kick, smoky Gouda for depth, or classic American cheese for that ultimate melty texture.
Tortillas: You can use whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber or even low-carb keto-friendly tortillas to fit your dietary needs.
Add-Ins: Elevate your smashed burger quesadilla by adding your favorite burger toppings inside. Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, crispy bacon bits, or sliced jalapeños are all fantastic additions.
Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought burger sauce or even just a simple mix of ketchup and mustard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Smashburger Quesadillas you’ve ever had. It’s easier than you think!

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and onion powder. Set it aside. This sauce is a key component of the perfect quesadilla smash burger.
Prepare the Beef: In a separate bowl, gently combine the ground beef with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be careful not to overmix! Divide the mixture into four equal portions and roll them into loose balls.
Smash the Patties: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add one of the beef balls to the hot, dry skillet. Place a piece of parchment paper on top and use a heavy, flat spatula to press down firmly, “smashing” it into a thin patty. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms. Flip, add a sprinkle of thinly sliced onions on top, and cook for another minute. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining beef.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean. Reduce the heat to medium and melt a little butter. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the entire tortilla. Place one of the cooked smash burger patties on one half of the tortilla. Drizzle generously with your prepared sauce.
Fold and Cook: Carefully fold the empty half of the tortilla over the half with the burger patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted. The goal is a perfect, cheesy Smashburger Quesadilla.
Serve: Remove the Smashburger Quesadilla from the skillet, let it rest for a minute, then slice it in half. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

Want to make your Smashburger Quesadillas absolutely perfect every time? Keep these simple tips in mind.

Get the Pan HOT: A screaming hot skillet is the secret to getting that signature dark, crispy crust on your smash burger patty. Don’t be afraid to let it heat up for a few minutes before you add the meat.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: When you mix the seasonings into the ground beef, do it gently. Overworking the meat can make the final patty tough. A light touch is all you need for a tender smashed burger quesadilla.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best, gooiest cheese pull, buy a block and shred it yourself. It makes a huge difference in a quesadilla burger.
Use Parchment Paper: Placing a small square of parchment paper between the meatball and your spatula prevents the meat from sticking to the spatula when you smash it down.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up your Smashburger Quesadilla, but overfilling can cause it to fall apart. A single patty and a good layer of cheese and sauce is the perfect ratio.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While these Smashburger Quesadillas are definitely best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can certainly save the leftovers for a delicious next-day lunch.

Storage: Once completely cooled, wrap individual quesadillas tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best results, avoid the microwave, which will make the tortilla soggy. Instead, reheat your quesadilla in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through and re-crisped. An air fryer also works wonderfully—just a few minutes at 350°F will do the trick!
Freezing: You can freeze cooked quesadillas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Complete your meal by pairing your amazing Smashburger Quesadillas with some classic and delicious sides. Think of it as a fun twist on a burger and fries night!

French Fries: You can’t go wrong with classic crinkle-cut fries, sweet potato fries, or even crispy tater tots.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice, refreshing contrast to the rich quesadilla smash burger.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra burger sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa for dipping.
Pickles: A side of crisp dill pickle spears is the perfect tangy complement.
Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy element to the meal.

FAQs

What is the best type of ground beef for Smashburger Quesadillas?

I highly recommend using 80/20 ground chuck. The 20% fat content ensures the patty stays incredibly juicy and flavorful as it cooks, which is essential for a great smash burger quesadilla. Leaner beef can dry out with this cooking method.

Can I make these Smashburger Quesadillas on a grill or outdoor griddle?

Absolutely! An outdoor griddle (like a Blackstone) is perfect for making these. You can cook multiple patties and quesadillas at once. A grill with a cast-iron pan or griddle insert would also work great to get that perfect sear.

My burger patty isn’t getting a good crust. What am I doing wrong?

The two most common reasons are a pan that isn’t hot enough or a patty that is too thick. Make sure your skillet is preheated properly over medium-high to high heat. When you smash the patty, press it down firmly and confidently to get it as thin as possible for your smashed burger quesadilla.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes, to save time, you can mix the special sauce and form the beef into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembly for your Smashburger Quesadillas even faster on a busy night.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate based on one serving (one quesadilla) and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	680 kcal
Protein	35g
Fat	45g
Carbohydrates	32g
Sodium	1250mg

Smashburger Quesadillas

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Author: Vera
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free tortillas)

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Description

Smashburger Quesadillas combine the juicy flavor of smash burgers with the crispy goodness of quesadillas, creating a quick and delicious meal that’s loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

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