Smashburger Quesadillas

$- 1 pound ground beef - 4 large flour tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1/2 cup diced onions - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes - 1/4 cup pickles, chopped The main ingredients for Smashburger quesadillas create a flavorful meal. Ground beef serves as the star, bringing rich taste. Flour tortillas wrap everything, making them easy to hold. The mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds creaminess. Onions and tomatoes give freshness, while pickles add a nice crunch. - 1 tablespoon burger seasoning (or a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder) - 2 tablespoons olive oil Seasoning is key for great flavor. You can use a store-bought burger seasoning or make your own. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works well. Olive oil helps brown the beef and crisp the tortillas. It gives a nice texture and flavor. - Sour cream - Salsa For serving, I love adding sour cream and salsa. Sour cream cools the heat and adds creaminess. Salsa brings a zesty kick to each bite. Together, they enhance the flavors and make each quesadilla even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, season the ground beef in a bowl. Use about one tablespoon of burger seasoning. You can also mix salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will add a great taste to your beef. Next, form the beef into small balls. Aim for balls about the size of golf balls. This shape helps them cook evenly and fit nicely in the quesadilla. Now it's time to cook the beef. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle on medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet. Place the beef balls in the skillet. Use a spatula to smash them down into thin patties. This technique gives you that classic smashburger look. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. They should be browned before flipping. After flipping, cook for another 2-3 minutes. Make sure they are fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside. Now, let's assemble the quesadillas. Start by laying a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over half of the tortilla. Next, add a layer of the cooked burger patties. Top that with diced onions, tomatoes, and pickles. Then, add another layer of cheese on top of the fillings. Carefully fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. This will create a nice pocket for all the flavors. To cook the quesadillas, return to the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Place the folded quesadilla in the oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want the tortilla to turn golden brown and the cheese to melt. Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Let it sit for a minute. Then slice it into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa. Enjoy your delicious Smashburger Quesadillas! To avoid soggy tortillas, make sure to cook the quesadillas in a hot pan. This helps the tortillas crisp up nicely. Use just enough olive oil to coat the pan lightly. Too much oil can make them soggy. For getting the right cheese melt, I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well and give a great flavor. Layer them generously inside the quesadilla for that gooey, melty goodness. You can add extra toppings to boost flavor. Try some sliced jalapeños for heat or fresh cilantro for freshness. Spices like cumin or smoked paprika can also elevate the taste. To customize fillings, think outside the box. You can use cooked chicken or even beans. Mix in roasted vegetables for a twist. Let your creativity flow with what you have at home. The best pans for quesadillas are non-stick skillets. They help prevent sticking and make flipping easier. A cast-iron skillet also works well for a nice crispy finish. Useful kitchen tools include a spatula for smashing patties and flipping quesadillas. A sharp knife makes slicing them into wedges simple. Keep a cutting board handy for easy assembly and prep. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality cheeses for the best flavor in your quesadillas. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If making multiple quesadillas, cook them one at a time to ensure even browning and melting of cheese. Experiment with Cheese: Mix and match different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist in your quesadillas. Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the quesadillas sit for a minute before slicing to help the cheese set and prevent spilling. {{image_2}} You can switch beef for other meats. Chicken or turkey works great. Just use the same seasoning. Cook them until they're nice and juicy. If you want a veggie option, try plant-based meat. It tastes good and is a healthy choice. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. But don't stop there! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also mix cheeses for a fun twist. Creamy cheese blends add richness. Flavored cheeses can bring new tastes to your quesadillas. Want to make your quesadillas even better? Add some extra veggies! Bell peppers, spinach, or corn can add color and crunch. You can also toss in beans for protein. If you like heat, add jalapeños. They give a nice spicy touch. To keep your Smashburger quesadillas fresh, follow these steps: - Let them cool to room temperature. - Wrap each quesadilla in foil or plastic wrap. - Place them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they stay good for about 3 days. Freezing quesadillas is a great way to save leftovers. Here are some tips: - Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. - Label with the date so you know when to use them. Frozen quesadillas can last up to 3 months. To reheat, remove the foil and wrap in a damp paper towel. Use the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You can prepare quesadillas ahead of time for quick meals. - Assemble them in advance, but don’t cook them yet. - Store uncooked quesadillas in the fridge for up to 2 days. They make a quick lunch or dinner. Just cook them in a skillet when you're ready to eat. Enjoy a tasty meal in minutes! Smashburger Quesadillas are tasty and filling. Each serving has about 600 calories. They contain 35 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs, and 30 grams of fat. The cheeses add richness, while the beef brings protein. The veggies like onions and tomatoes offer vitamins too. These quesadillas are a hearty meal. Yes, you can make quesadillas ahead of time. Prepare the filling and store it in the fridge. Assemble the quesadillas when you are ready to cook. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh. If you want to freeze them, wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag. Cook them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Pair your quesadillas with tasty sides. A simple green salad adds crunch. Chips and guacamole make a great snack. You can also serve rice or beans for a heartier meal. For drinks, try soda, iced tea, or even a cold beer. These sides enhance the quesadilla experience and make your meal more fun. Smashburger quesadillas combine tasty beef, gooey cheese, and fun toppings. We covered key ingredients like ground beef and tortillas, plus cooking techniques for perfect results. Remember, customizing with different cheeses and add-ins can enhance flavor. Keep leftovers fresh in the fridge or freezer for later. These quesadillas make great meals anytime, so enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors. Happy cooking!$

Smashburger Quesadillas

Delicious quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon burger seasoning
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup pickles, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste sour cream
to taste salsa

Instructions

In a bowl, season the ground beef with burger seasoning. Form the beef into small balls about the size of golf balls.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the beef balls in the skillet and smash them down with a spatula to form thin patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove from heat.
Lay out a tortilla and sprinkle a layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese across half of the tortilla. Add a layer of the cooked burger patties, onions, diced tomatoes, and pickles. Top with another layer of cheese. Carefully fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat for the other quesadillas.
Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them sit for a minute before slicing them into wedges. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Notes

Serve with sour cream and salsa for added flavor.

Keyword beef, cheese, quesadillas, smashburger