Description
A crispy, cheesy fusion of a smashburger and quesadilla, featuring juicy seasoned beef with caramelized edges, melted cheese, and golden toasted tortillas for the ultimate comfort food mashup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for cooking
- Optional: sliced pickles
- Optional: shredded lettuce
- Optional: diced tomatoes
- Optional: burger sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add butter or oil.
- Place one portion of beef into the skillet and immediately smash it flat using a spatula. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crispy on the edges.
- Flip the patty and cook an additional 1–2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and repeat with remaining portions.
- Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle cheese over one half. Place a smashed patty on top, add optional onions or toppings, then more cheese.
- Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
- Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice into wedges, and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Smashing the beef thin creates the signature crispy edges.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper browning.
- Allow tortillas to reach room temperature before folding to prevent cracking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg