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Smashburger Quesadillas

A delicious twist on the classic smash burger, these quesadillas are crispy, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) Provides flavor and juiciness.
  • 6-8 inch tortillas large flour tortillas Holds the filling together.
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Adds richness and gooey texture.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Enhances flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Adds aromatic depth.
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder Complements seasoning.
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil For frying the quesadillas.
Optional Toppings
  • sliced jalapeños For added heat.
  • avocado For creaminess.
  • sour cream For added richness.
  • salsa To enhance flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Shred 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to coat the pan.
Cooking
  1. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each into a loose ball.
  2. Flatten each ball in the hot skillet to form patties, cooking 2-3 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Place one tortilla in the skillet, add shredded cheese, smashed patty pieces, and another sprinkle of cheese. Top with a second tortilla.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  5. Let the quesadilla rest, then slice into wedges and serve with optional toppings.

Notes

These quesadillas can be prepped in advance and stored. For lighter options, replace beef with ground turkey or chicken.