What do you get when you cross the crave-worthy flavors of a smashburger with the melty goodness of a quesadilla? A culinary delight known as smashburger quesadillas! This hybrid dish brings together the best of both worlds—crispy burger patties and cheesy quesadillas—to create a meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or something special for game day, these smashburger quesadillas are bound to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by preparing your ground beef. In a mixing bowl, season the beef with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure each bite packs a flavorful punch. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Divide the beef into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and press them down in the skillet with a spatula to form patties. Cook until browned on one side, then flip and brown the other side. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onion on medium heat until it turns golden brown and is caramelized to perfection. This should take around 8–10 minutes. Remove the onion from the skillet and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Layout the flour tortillas on a clean surface. On one-half of each tortilla, evenly distribute the cooked beef patties, caramelized onions, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Optional jalapeño slices can be added for those who like a bit of heat. Fold the tortilla over the filling to create a semi-circle.
Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
Clean the skillet and return it to medium heat. Place the assembled quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Be careful when flipping to ensure the filling stays intact.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve with a dollop of sour cream and additional fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your savory, cheesy smashburger quesadillas!
How to Serve Smashburger Quesadillas
Smashburger quesadillas are best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. Pair them with classic condiments like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a flavor explosion. These quesadillas are great for a casual dinner, party platters, or even as a delightful appetizer on a weekend gathering. They also partner well with a side of crisp salad or loaded nachos to satisfy bigger appetites.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- For extra flavor, try mixing spices like paprika or garlic powder into the ground beef before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the patties; this helps achieve a perfect sear.
- Pressing down firmly on the meat with a spatula ensures a crispy exterior.
Feel free to experiment with cheeses; Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add an exciting twist.
Packed Protein Punch: High Protein Smashburger Quesadillas
Want to turn your smashburger quesadillas into a high-protein powerhouse? Include additional protein-rich fillings such as black beans or egg whites. Substitute the flour tortillas with protein-enhanced wraps to ramp up the nutritional content without sacrificing on taste. Sauté the patties in olive oil for a healthier fat source, while Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lower-calorie topping.
This high-protein version not only keeps you fueled but also satisfies your cravings. Perfect for anyone following a high-protein diet or looking to boost their muscle-building meals without compromising taste.
Crafty Low Carb Swaps for Smashburger Quesadillas
For those following a low-carb lifestyle, swapping out the flour tortillas for cheese wraps or large lettuce leaves can swiftly transform this recipe into a keto-friendly feast. Additionally, using zucchini slices as a low carb alternative for tomatoes and keeping jalapeños in for flavor is a smart choice.
Embrace these clever swaps and still indulge in that delicious smashburger goodness. Perfect for diet-conscious individuals and those eager for a guilt-free taste journey.
Storage Instructions
Keep any leftover quesadillas airtight in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to preserve their crispy texture. These quesadillas can also be frozen for long-term storage; just ensure they are tightly wrapped in foil before freezing. When you’re ready to savor them again, thaw and warm thoroughly in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
- Can I make smashburger quesadillas with chicken? Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground chicken or turkey as a leaner alternative.
- Can smashburger quesadillas be prepared in advance? While they are best served fresh, you can prepare the filling components ahead of time.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Use plant-based ingredients such as Beyond Meat, vegan cheese, and serve with dairy-free sour cream.
- Can smashburger quesadillas be grilled? Yes, grilling the quesadillas adds a smoky flavor and crisper texture.
- How do I keep leftover quesadillas crispy? Reheat them in a dry skillet to restore the crispy exterior.
- What’s the best way to serve smashburger quesadillas as a party snack? Slice into smaller triangles and serve with a variety of dips to delight your guests!
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Give This Combo a Try!
Smashburger quesadillas are a delightful fusion dish that brings together the charm of two beloved favorites into an extraordinary treat. Enjoyable, customizable, and easy to make, they are bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Share this recipe with your food-loving friends or invite them over for a smashburger quesadilla night. Your feedback and creative spin on the recipe is always appreciated, so leave a comment!
Smashburger Quesadillas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- vegetable oil
- ground beef
- salt
- black pepper
- cheddar cheese
- large flour tortillas
- onion
- tomato
- avocado
- jalapeño
- sour cream
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare the beef by seasoning with salt and pepper, and form into small patties.
- Sauté the onion until caramelized and set aside.
- Assemble the quesadillas with beef, cheese, avocado, and other ingredients.
- Cook the assembled quesadillas until crispy and cheese melts.
- Serve immediately with sour cream and cilantro.