15-Min Smashburger Quesadillas (Low Carb!)

Smashburger Quesadillas: The Ultimate Fusion of Two Comfort Food Classics

What happens when you combine the crispy, juicy goodness of a smashburger with the melty, cheesy comfort of a quesadilla? You get the smashburger quesadilla—a mouthwatering fusion that’s taking the culinary world by storm! This innovative dish brings together the best of both worlds: the savory beef patty of a smashburger and the gooey, golden tortilla of a quesadilla.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a creative way to use up leftover burger meat, smashburger quesadillas deliver on all fronts. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable—you can load them up with your favorite burger toppings or keep them classic with just cheese and beef.

Table of Contents

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools

To create the perfect smashburger quesadilla, you’ll need:

For the burger patties:

– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder

For the quesadillas:

– 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/2 cup diced pickles
– Optional: sliced jalapeños, bacon bits, or your favorite burger toppings

Kitchen tools needed:

– Large cast-iron skillet or griddle
– Spatula (preferably a burger-flipping spatula)
– Cutting board
– Sharp knife
– Paper towels

Timing / Prep Time & Cooking Time

This smashburger quesadilla recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s the breakdown:

– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 15 minutes
– Total time: 25 minutes
– Servings: 4 quesadillas

That’s right—in under 30 minutes, you can have restaurant-quality smashburger quesadillas on your table! This makes it an ideal choice for quick family dinners or last-minute gatherings with friends.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the burger patties: In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form them into small, thin patties. Remember, we’re going for smashburger style, so thinner is better!

2. Heat your cooking surface: Place your cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Allow it to get hot—this is crucial for achieving that signature smashburger crust.

3. Cook the patties: Working in batches, place the patties on the hot surface. Immediately use your spatula to smash them down, creating thin, crispy-edged patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice crust and are cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

4. Assemble the quesadillas: Place a tortilla on a clean surface. On one half of the tortilla, layer about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, 2 cooked patties, 2 tablespoons each of diced onions and pickles, and another 1/4 cup of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.

5. Cook the quesadillas: Wipe your skillet clean and reduce heat to medium. Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

6. Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat, let cool for a minute, then cut each quesadilla into 3 wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, or special sauce.

Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try brushing the outside of the tortillas with a little melted butter or mayonnaise before cooking. This will give you an even crispier, more golden exterior!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These smashburger quesadillas pack a serious nutritional punch while still being incredibly satisfying:

– Calories: Approximately 450-500 per quesadilla (depending on toppings)
– Protein: 25-30g per serving
– Carbohydrates: 30-35g per serving
– Fat: 25-30g per serving

The high protein content from the beef makes these quesadillas a great option for those looking to build or maintain muscle mass. The combination of protein and fat also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods.

Additionally, you can easily modify this recipe to fit various dietary needs:
– For a lower-carb option, use low-carb tortillas
– Make it gluten-free by using corn tortillas and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free
– Add extra veggies for increased fiber and nutrient content

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of smashburger quesadillas lies in their versatility. Here are some creative ways to switch things up:

1. Big Mac Style Smashburger Quesadilla: Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a special sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish to recreate the classic Big Mac flavor in quesadilla form.

2. Breakfast Smashburger Quesadilla: Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to your beef and cheese for a breakfast-inspired twist.

3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef patties with black bean or lentil patties for a vegetarian-friendly version.

4. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for those who like it hot.

5. BBQ Smashburger Quesadilla: Mix some BBQ sauce into your beef before cooking, and add caramelized onions for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.

For cooking method alternatives:

– Air Fryer: Assemble the quesadillas and cook at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Oven: Place assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your smashburger quesadillas turn out perfect every time, watch out for these common pitfalls:

1. Overcrowding the pan: Cook patties in batches to ensure they get that coveted crispy crust. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.

2. Using cold tortillas: Let your tortillas come to room temperature before assembling. Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when folded.

3. Overfilling: Resist the urge to stuff your quesadillas to the brim. Too much filling makes them difficult to flip and can result in a messy eating experience.

4. Cooking on too high heat: While you want a hot pan for the patties, cooking the assembled quesadillas on medium heat ensures the cheese melts properly without burning the tortilla.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While smashburger quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly make them ahead or save leftovers:

– Storage: Allow quesadillas to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Meal prep tip: Prepare the burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage. This cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to make your quesadillas.

Conclusion

Smashburger quesadillas are more than just a trendy food mashup—they’re a delicious, versatile meal that brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods. Whether you’re serving them as a quick family dinner, a game day snack, or a creative party appetizer, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit.

The combination of crispy, juicy beef, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla, creates a flavor and texture experience that’s hard to beat. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make these quesadillas your own every time.

So why not give this smashburger quesadilla recipe a try? It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your unique twists on this delicious dish! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other fusion food creations for more culinary inspiration.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-made burger patties for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Pre-made patties can save time. Just make sure to smash them thin as they cook to achieve that classic smashburger texture.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use for smashburger quesadillas?
A: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses. American cheese melts beautifully, pepper jack adds a spicy kick, and a Mexican cheese blend offers great flavor complexity.

Q: Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them perfect for party prep!

Q: My quesadillas are soggy. What am I doing wrong?
A: Sogginess usually occurs when the pan isn’t hot enough or when there’s too much moisture in the filling. Make sure your pan is properly heated and pat dry any wet ingredients like pickles before adding them to the quesadilla.

Q: Can I make a healthier version of smashburger quesadillas?
A: Definitely! Use lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat tortillas, reduced-fat cheese, and load up on veggies to boost the nutritional profile without sacrificing flavor.

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