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Crave These? Make 1-Pan Smashburger Quesadillas!

Okay, so, you know how sometimes you just CRAVE something, like, *bad*? For me, that’s often a Smashburger quesadilla. I’m talking that perfectly melty cheese, juicy beef, and all that amazing flavor crammed between crispy tortillas. Honestly, I could eat them every single day! I’m a total quesadilla fanatic, and I’ve tried all sorts of different versions over the years. This recipe, though? This is the one that really captures that Smashburger vibe.
I started making these because my kids are OBSESSED with the real thing, but, you know, sometimes you just don’t want to leave the house. Plus, making them at home means I can customize them to exactly what we like. Over time, I tweaked this recipe until it was PERFECT. Now, whenever I make these Smashburger quesadillas, my family practically does a happy dance. And trust me, after you try them, you’ll be doing a happy dance too!
Ingredients for Delicious Smashburger Quesadillas
Alright, so, before we get started, let’s gather our troops! You won’t believe how simple the ingredient list is for these *Smashburger quesadillas*. The best part? You probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: I usually go for 80/20, but hey, whatever your fave is!
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds the perfect bit of sweetness and flavor.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Gotta have that classic melty cheddar, but more on cheese options later!
- 8-inch tortillas: Flour tortillas work best, in my opinion, but corn tortillas are great too if that’s your jam.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the beef, don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best, of course.
That’s it! See? Told ya it was easy. Now, let’s get cookin’!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, so, you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to make these *Smashburger quesadillas*. The key is having the right tools for the job. Don’t worry, you probably already have everything you need! Here’s what you should grab:
- Skillet or Griddle: A large skillet is perfect, but if you have a griddle, even better! You want something with a good, flat surface to get those tortillas nice and crispy.
- Spatula: You’ll need a sturdy spatula to flip those quesadillas and, of course, “smash” them!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring out your ingredients, of course.
- Mixing Bowl: For mixing up the beef and onion, makes the whole process so much easier.
That’s seriously it, folks! Told ya this was a super simple recipe, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Amazing *Smashburger Quesadillas*
Okay, now for the fun part! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on some seriously amazing *Smashburger quesadillas* in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it all!
Preparing the Beef and Onion
First things first, let’s get that beef and onion mixture going. This is where all the flavor starts to build!
- Get that skillet ready: Place your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot before you start.
- Brown the beef: Add your ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with your spatula, and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through yet!
- Onion time: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season it up: Now’s the time to season your beef and onion mixture! Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Drain the grease (optional): If there’s a lot of grease, you can carefully drain some of it off. I usually leave a little bit for extra flavor, but it’s totally up to you!
And that’s it! Your beef and onion mixture is ready to go. See? Easy peasy!
Assembling Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
Okay, now for the fun part: building your *Smashburger quesadillas*! This is where you get to unleash your inner artist.
- Tortilla time: Lay out one tortilla on a clean, flat surface.
- Cheese, please: Sprinkle a generous layer of your shredded cheddar cheese over the tortilla. Don’t be shy! You want enough cheese to get that melty, gooey goodness.
- Beef it up: Spoon a good portion of the beef and onion mixture over the cheese. Spread it out evenly, leaving a little space around the edges.
- Top it off: Place another tortilla on top of the beef mixture. Now, you’ve got a quesadilla sandwich!
And just like that, you’ve assembled your quesadillas! Aren’t you feeling like a pro?
Cooking to Perfection: Griddling Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
Alright, time to get those quesadillas all crispy and melty! This is where you get that signature *Smashburger* look and taste.
- Heat it up: Make sure your skillet or griddle is still over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot.
- Griddle time: Carefully place your assembled quesadilla onto the hot surface.
- Smash it (gently!): This is where the *smash* comes in! Using your spatula, gently press down on the quesadilla to flatten it a bit and help the cheese melt. Don’t go crazy, you just want to press it down a little.
- Cook ’em up: Cook the quesadilla for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Keep an eye on it, because you don’t want it to burn!
- Flip with care: Carefully flip the quesadilla with your spatula and cook the other side until it’s golden brown and the cheese is melted.
And there you have it! Perfectly cooked, golden-brown, cheesy *Smashburger quesadillas*! Wow!
Serving and Enjoying Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
Okay, time to eat! After all that work, you deserve to dig in. Here’s how I like to serve them:
- Slice it up: Carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter or a large knife to slice it into wedges. I like to cut mine into triangles!
- Serve ’em hot: Serve the *Smashburger quesadillas* immediately, while they’re still hot and the cheese is all melty.
- Add some flair: You can serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of salsa for dipping. Guacamole is AMAZING too!
And there you have it! Now go grab a quesadilla and enjoy! Trust me, you’ll love it!
Why You’ll Love These Smashburger Quesadillas
Okay, so, why are these *Smashburger quesadillas* so amazing? Well, let me tell you! They’re basically a weeknight dinner dream come true. Here’s why you’re gonna fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious, and fast!
- Totally Customizable: Don’t like cheddar? No problem! Want to add some jalapenos for a kick? Go for it! This recipe is a blank canvas, ready for your creative genius!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of the savory beef, the sweet onion, and that melty cheese? Pure flavor magic! Your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!
- Family-Friendly: My kids LOVE these, and I bet yours will too! They’re a total crowd-pleaser, even for those picky eaters.
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make these *Smashburger quesadillas*. It’s a great way to feed your family without breaking the bank!
- Satisfying & Filling: These quesadillas are hearty and satisfying. They’ll fill you up and keep you going until your next meal.
Honestly? What’s not to love? These *Smashburger quesadillas* are the perfect blend of easy, delicious, and totally satisfying. You’ve GOT to try them!
*Smashburger Quesadillas* Variations and Customization Ideas
Okay, so, now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s talk about taking these *Smashburger quesadillas* to the next level! The best part about this recipe? It’s totally flexible! You can get creative and change things up to suit your own tastes, or whatever you happen to have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment, that’s half the fun of cooking!
Cheese Choices for Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
While cheddar is a classic, let’s be honest, there are SO many amazing cheeses out there, and they all bring something unique to the party. Here are some of my favorite cheese swaps and additions to try in your *Smashburger quesadillas*:
- Monterey Jack: This one melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor that’s perfect for quesadillas. It’s a great choice if you want something a little different from cheddar.
- Pepper Jack: Want to add a little heat? Pepper Jack is your friend! It’s got a nice kick of spice that pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
- Colby Jack: This is a fun one! The combination of Colby and Monterey Jack gives you a great flavor and a nice melty texture.
- Cheese Blends: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a great starting point. Or try a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Provolone: A good choice if you like something with a little more bite. It melts really well too!
Seriously, the cheese possibilities are endless! Just remember to choose a cheese that melts well, and you’re good to go!
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
And now for the *really* fun part: the toppings! This is where you can REALLY make these *Smashburger quesadillas* your own. Here are some of my favorite ways to jazz them up:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream is the perfect finishing touch.
- Salsa: Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, salsa adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Guacamole: Okay, this is a MUST-TRY! Guac takes these quesadillas to a whole new level.
- Lettuce and Tomato: If you want to add some veggies, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes work great.
- Pickled Onions: Adds a nice tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Jalapenos: Want to make them spicy? Add some sliced jalapenos!
- Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is always a good idea!
Honestly, the sky’s the limit here! Get creative, experiment, and find your favorite combination! Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might just discover your new favorite way to eat *Smashburger quesadillas*!
Frequently Asked Questions About *Smashburger Quesadillas*
Okay, so, after you try these *Smashburger quesadillas*, I figured you might have a few questions! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with my best answers! Let’s dive in!
Can I make these *Smashburger quesadillas* ahead of time?
Yep! You can definitely prep some things ahead of time to make your life easier. You can cook the ground beef and onion mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just assemble and cook the quesadillas. Easy peasy!
What kind of tortillas work best?
Honestly, I’m a big fan of flour tortillas for these *Smashburger quesadillas*. They get nice and crispy and have that perfect soft-but-crunchy texture. But, if you prefer corn tortillas, go for it! Just be aware that they might be a little more prone to cracking, so handle them with care. Also, if you’re looking for something that’s Halal, make sure to check the ingredients on your tortillas to be sure that they fit your dietary needs.
How can I make these spicier?
Oh, you want some heat, huh? I totally get it! There are several ways to kick up the spice level in your *Smashburger quesadillas*. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the beef and onion mixture while it’s cooking. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. And, of course, you can always add some sliced jalapenos to the quesadilla before you cook it. Don’t forget the hot sauce for dipping! Trust me, it’s delicious!
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! While these *Smashburger quesadillas* are traditionally made with ground beef, you can totally experiment with other kinds of meat. Ground turkey or chicken would work great, and you could even try using some shredded cooked chicken or pulled pork. Just make sure to season the meat well to get that delicious flavor. Mmm!
My quesadillas are sticking to the skillet! Help!
Ugh, I know, it’s the worst! Make sure your skillet or griddle is properly heated before you put the quesadillas on. Also, a little bit of butter or oil in the pan can help prevent sticking. If you’re still having trouble, you might try cooking the quesadillas over medium heat instead of medium-high. And, be sure to use a good spatula to help you flip them. No one wants a broken quesadilla!
Hope that helps answer some of your burning questions! Now, go forth and make some amazing *Smashburger quesadillas*!
*Smashburger Quesadillas* Storage and Reheating Tips
Okay, so, let’s say you made a batch of these *Smashburger quesadillas*, and, wow, you have some leftovers! First of all, high five! But what should you do with them? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to store and reheat your *Smashburger quesadillas* to keep them tasting their absolute best!
Storing Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
First things first, let those quesadillas cool down completely before you do anything. Then, you’ll want to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep them from drying out and keep them fresh. They should be good for about 2-3 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!
Reheating Your *Smashburger Quesadillas*
Now, for the all-important question: how do you reheat those *Smashburger quesadillas* to get them all melty and delicious again? You have a few options, depending on how much time you have and how crispy you want them to be:
- Skillet Re
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Crave These? Make 1-Pan Smashburger Quesadillas!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Simple and delicious Smashburger quesadillas.
Ingredients
- Tortillas
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cook ground beef with onion.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Place cheese on a tortilla.
- Add beef mixture.
- Top with another tortilla.
- Cook until cheese melts.
- Smash and serve.
Notes
- Use your favorite cheese.
- Add toppings like lettuce or tomato.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Smashburger, quesadilla, beef, cheese



