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Cheesy smashburger quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, pickles, onions, and tomatoes in toasted tortillas.

Cheesy Smashburger Quesadillas

Cheesy Smashburger Quesadillas combine crispy smash-style ground beef with melty cheese inside a golden toasted tortilla. They taste like a juicy cheeseburger in quesadilla form, complete with a tangy burger-style dipping sauce. It’s a quick, budget-friendly dinner that feels like takeout at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 tomato

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish to make the sauce. Set aside.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
  3. Place one tortilla on a flat surface and press one beef ball thinly across the tortilla.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the tortilla beef-side down into the pan.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy.
  6. Flip the tortilla so the beef faces up, then sprinkle cheese evenly over the beef.
  7. Add pickles or onions if using, then fold the tortilla in half.
  8. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
  9. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Slice into wedges and serve with sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Use medium-high heat for crispy beef edges and a golden tortilla.
  • Don’t overfill with cheese or toppings or it may tear while folding.
  • Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy version or add jalapeños.
  • Reheat leftovers in a skillet or air fryer to keep them crispy (avoid microwaving).
  • Serve with fries, salad, or extra pickles for a full cheeseburger-style meal.