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This filling beef and cheese combo has become my go-to weeknight dinner hack, merging the rich taste of a burger with the cheese-filled delight of a quesadilla in one crunchy meal.
I whipped these up one evening when I had ground beef but couldn't find any buns, and now my family asks for them more than traditional burgers. The crunchy tortilla shell breaks open to reveal juicy meat and melted cheese that has everyone grabbing another serving.
What You'll Need
- Ground beef: an 80/20 mix gives you just enough fat for super juicy meat patties
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: this simple trio adds flavor to your beef without taking over
- Flour tortillas: grab the big burrito size ones to fit everything and make folding easier
- Shredded cheese: combine cheddar for taste and American for that amazing melt factor
- Extra additions: try pickles, chopped onions, and burger sauce to get that real burger feel
How To Make It
- Get Your Pan Hot:
- Warm up a big cast iron pan or flat griddle on medium high until you see a bit of smoke. Getting it really hot is key for that tasty brown crust on your meat.
- Add Your Meat:
- Drop about a quarter pound of ground beef onto one side of your flour tortilla. Leave a small border around the edge to seal it. Don't shape the meat beforehand.
- Add Flavor And Press:
- Sprinkle plenty of salt, pepper, and garlic powder on the beef. Put the meat side down on your hot cooking surface and push down hard with a spatula to flatten it across the tortilla.
- Turn It Over And Add Cheese:
- After cooking 2 to 3 minutes, when the meat has a nice dark crust, flip the whole tortilla carefully. Right away, put lots of cheese on top of the cooked meat.
- Fold And Brown:
- Bring the empty tortilla half over the meat and cheese. Press down gently and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Flip it and cook the other side until it's just as crispy and all the cheese has melted.
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The magic behind these quesadillas comes from the flattening method. The first time I tried it, my kitchen filled with the most amazing smell of sizzling beef that took me back to my favorite diner. That browning from touching the hot pan creates flavors you just can't get by shaping patties ahead of time.
Prep Ahead Tips
You can get these smashburger quesadillas all ready up until the cooking part and keep them in the fridge for up to a day. Just put them in a stack with parchment paper between each one and wrap them up tight. When you're ready to eat, just heat your pan and cook them as normal. This makes them super handy for planning meals or getting ready for gatherings.
What To Serve With It
Put out these quesadillas with little dishes of your favorite burger toppings for dipping. Ketchup, mustard, burger sauce, or even ranch all taste great. Add a basic green salad with dressing to balance out the richness, and some tangy pickled veggies cut through the hearty meat and cheese flavors. For that complete fast food feeling at home, add some oven fries or sweet potato wedges on the side.
Mix It Up
The standard version tastes amazing on its own but try these twists to keep meals exciting. For a tex-mex twist, mix taco spices into your beef and swap in pepper jack cheese. Try a Mediterranean style with ground lamb, some oregano, and a bit of feta mixed with your melting cheese. For mornings, make a breakfast version using breakfast sausage, some scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese, then dip it in maple syrup.
Common Queries
- → Can I switch out the cheese type?
Sure thing! Try any cheese that melts well such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you want some heat.
- → What's the trick to stop tortillas from burning?
Use medium-high heat and watch them carefully, making sure to flip them often so they don't get too dark.
- → Is there a way to make these without meat?
For sure! Swap in some plant-based ground beef or cooked and crumbled veggies like mushrooms or zucchini instead.
- → What foods go nicely on the side?
Try a green salad, some french fries, or traditional burger companions like coleslaw and crispy onion rings.
- → Can I get these ready ahead of time?
You can cook your beef mixture earlier and then put the quesadillas together right before you're ready to cook them.