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Smashburger quesadillas sliced into wedges served with burger sauce and pickle spears

Smashburger Quesadillas

Crispy flour tortillas filled with thin seared ground beef and melted cheese, cooked in one skillet and ready in 25 minutes. A fast and satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family loves.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend preferred for best sear and flavor
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • garlic powder to taste, generous pinch per portion recommended
  • 4 large flour tortillas burrito-size preferred for best fold and crispiness
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese American cheese melts best for classic burger-style gooeyness
  • pickles optional topping
  • diced onions optional topping
  • burger sauce optional dipping sauce

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or heavy griddle
  • Wide spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the surface is fully hot. A drop of water should evaporate on contact within one second.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Press one portion directly onto one half of each flour tortilla, spreading it flat and thin to about a quarter inch thickness. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Place the tortilla beef-side down onto the hot skillet. Press firmly with a wide spatula for the first 30 seconds to maximize pan contact. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is deeply browned and cooked through. The edges will turn gray before the center finishes.
  4. Carefully flip the entire tortilla. Immediately scatter the shredded cheese over the hot cooked beef. Fold the empty tortilla half over the cheese to close the quesadilla and press gently.
  5. Cook for about 1 minute per side until both tortilla surfaces are golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Slice into wedges and serve immediately with pickles, diced onion, and burger sauce.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best sear and flavor. Keep toppings stored separately when refrigerating leftovers. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for the crispiest results. Avoid the microwave as it softens the tortilla. Best served immediately after cooking.