Hi, I’m Lina.
As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
These Smashburger Quesadillas combine juicy smashed beef with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in golden, crispy tortillas. They’re everything you love about a burger, savory beef, melted cheese, tangy sauce, but in handheld quesadilla form. Perfect for a family dinner, game night, or weekend comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love Smashburger Quesadillas
They’re crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and loaded with flavor. You get that caramelized burger crust, gooey cheese pull, and creamy burger sauce in every bite. The best part? They cook in minutes on a skillet, no fancy tools or deep fryer needed.
If you’re into quick comfort food, try my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or Smashburger Tacos next!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the quesadillas:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for the skillet
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the burger sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp finely diced pickles or relish
- 1 tsp pickle juice
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Optional toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Extra pickles
Instructions
- Make the sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickles, pickle juice, and garlic powder. Chill until ready to use.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and crispy bits form. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of burger sauce on one side of each tortilla. Add cheese, cooked beef, and a little more cheese on top. Fold in half.
- Cook the quesadillas: Wipe out the skillet, melt butter, and cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Slice into wedges, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with lettuce or tomato if desired.
Lina’s Tip:
Add the cheese both under and over the beef, it helps the filling stick and gives you that beautiful melted layer on both sides!
For another easy weeknight favorite, try Air Fryer Salmon Bites or Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet.
Print
Smashburger Quesadillas – Crispy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas
Description
Crispy Smashburger Quesadillas loaded with juicy beef, melted cheese, and creamy burger sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
1 tbsp butter or oil
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp diced pickles or relish
1 tsp pickle juice
¼ tsp garlic powder
Optional: lettuce, tomato, extra sauce for topping
Instructions
1. Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, pickle juice, and garlic powder for the burger sauce. Chill until needed.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season, and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat.
3. Spread sauce on half of each tortilla. Add cheese, beef, and more cheese, then fold.
4. Melt butter in a skillet. Cook each quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
5. Slice and serve with extra sauce, lettuce, or tomato.
Notes
For extra crunch, brush tortillas with butter before cooking. Add jalapeños or onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American