Description
Smashburger Quesadillas combine the savory intensity of a smashed burger with the crisp shell of a quesadilla, creating an elevated comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20), divided into 4 portions
- 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, finely shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack, finely shredded
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat and at room temperature)
- 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/2 lime, strained
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the sauce: whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon, smoked paprika, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust salt and set aside.
- Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering. Divide beef into four loose balls; season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Press one ball onto the skillet to form a thin patty. Cook until deep brown and crusted, about 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 30–45 seconds. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
- Wipe excess fat from the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and return a clean skillet. Butter one side of a tortilla and place it buttered side down in the skillet.
- Sprinkle an even layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack, top with smashed patty pieces, onion slivers, and jalapeño if using. Drizzle with the sauce.
- Top with a second tortilla, butter the top lightly, and cook until the underside is golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until cheese melts and both sides are browned. Press gently with a spatula.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let it rest for 1 minute, then slice into wedges. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with additional sauce if desired.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and moisture. Prepare a light avocado crema as an alternative sauce for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg