Cheesy Griddled Smashburger Quesadillas (Printable Version)

Crispy tortillas filled with smashed beef patties, melted cheeses, and caramelized onions.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ Smashburger Patties

01 - 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Quesadillas

05 - 4 large flour tortillas, 8 to 10 inches each
06 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 4 slices American cheese
08 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Optional Garnishes

14 - Sliced pickles
15 - Chopped fresh cilantro
16 - Salsa
17 - Sour cream

# Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
02 - Preheat a flat griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread evenly across the surface.
03 - Add sliced onion to one side of the griddle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
04 - Divide beef mixture into 8 equal portions and roll each into a loose ball.
05 - Place 4 beef balls onto the hot griddle with even spacing. Immediately press each flat with a heavy spatula or burger press to form thin patties approximately 4 inches in diameter.
06 - Cook patties without moving until edges are deeply browned and juices bubble at the surface, about 2 minutes. Season tops with a pinch of salt and pepper.
07 - Flip patties and immediately top each with 1 slice cheddar and 1 slice American cheese. Cook until cheese melts and edges are crisp, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate.
08 - Wipe the griddle clean and reduce heat to medium. Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with melted butter.
09 - For each quesadilla: place a tortilla on the griddle. Layer 2 cheesy patties side by side, sprinkle with cooked onions, and drizzle with combined sauce. Top with a second tortilla.
10 - Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crisp, about 2 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula.
11 - Flip and cook the other side until golden, about 2 minutes more.
12 - Transfer quesadilla to a cutting board and rest for 1 minute. Slice into wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
13 - Repeat with remaining ingredients to create 2 large quesadillas in total. Serve immediately with desired garnishes.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every bite delivers the salty, crispy crunch of a smashburger wrapped in a warm, cheese-stuffed tortilla.
  • Its faster than making individual burgers and buns, and cleanup is just one griddle.
  • The sauce cuts through all that richness with tangy, savory punch that makes you reach for another wedge.
  • You can prep the patties and sauce ahead, then griddle everything in under ten minutes when hunger strikes.
02 -
  • If you dont smash the patties immediately after they hit the griddle, they wont form that crispy crust, you only get one chance.
  • Wiping the griddle clean between the patties and the tortillas prevents burnt bits from ruining the quesadilla exterior.
  • Letting the quesadilla rest for a full minute lets the cheese set slightly so it doesnt all ooze out when you slice.
  • Using too much sauce will make the tortillas soggy, a light drizzle is all you need for flavor.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet or griddle for the best heat retention and even crust development on both the patties and tortillas.
  • Press the quesadilla gently with the spatula while it cooks to ensure all the layers meld together and the cheese glues everything in place.
  • If youre making multiple quesadillas, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven (200 degrees F) while you cook the rest.
  • Add a handful of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes inside for a Big Mac inspired twist.
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