Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Griddled Smashburger Quesadillas are a delicious and fun twist on classic burger and quesadilla dishes. The combination of crispy tortillas, juicy burger patties, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is an excellent way to impress your friends during game night, or simply enjoy a tasty dinner at home.

How to Make Cheesy Griddled Smashburger Quesadillas

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 large flour tortillas (8-10 inches each)
8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices American cheese
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Garnishes: Sliced pickles, Chopped fresh cilantro, Salsa, Sour cream

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
Preheat a flat griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and spread to coat the surface.
Add the sliced onions to one side of the griddle. Cook them while stirring occasionally until they are golden and softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
Divide the beef mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a loose ball.
Place 4 beef balls onto the hot griddle, leaving space between them. Press each one flat with a heavy spatula or burger press to make thin patties about 4 inches across.
Cook the patties without disturbing them until their edges are deeply browned and juices bubble up, around 2 minutes. Season the tops with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Flip the patties and immediately place 1 slice of cheddar and 1 slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cook until the cheese melts and the edges are crisp, about 1 more minute. Transfer the patties to a plate.
Wipe the griddle clean and reduce the heat to medium. Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with melted butter.
Place a tortilla on the griddle. Layer 2 cheesy patties side by side, sprinkle on the cooked onions, and drizzle with a sauce made from whisked mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Top with a second tortilla.
Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crisp, about 2 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula.
Flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden, about 2 minutes more.
Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute. Slice into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make a total of 2 large quesadillas. Serve hot with optional garnishes like pickles, cilantro, salsa, or sour cream.

How to Serve Cheesy Griddled Smashburger Quesadillas

Serve these delicious quesadillas warm, cut into wedges for easy sharing. Pair them with sliced pickles, fresh cilantro, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance their flavor. They make an excellent main dish for lunch or dinner and can also be served as a hearty snack.

How to Store Cheesy Griddled Smashburger Quesadillas

If you have any leftovers, allow the quesadillas to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through for the best texture.

Tips to Make Cheesy Griddled Smashburger Quesadillas

Use freshly ground beef for the juiciest patties.
Don’t press the patties too hard when smashing them; they need to remain thick enough to hold the cheese.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a gooey texture.

Variation

You can add toppings to the quesadillas like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even bacon for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

FAQs

Can I use other meats?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.

How do I make sure the cheese melts perfectly?
Make sure to keep the heat medium to low after flipping the patties and covering them with cheese to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bottom.

Can these be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze cooked quesadillas for up to a month. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen on the griddle for best results.