Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that combine two comfort foods into one. Smashburger Quesadillas are exactly that a juicy, smashed burger patty loaded with cheese and toppings, tucked inside a golden, crispy tortilla. This TikTok-inspired recipe has been taking the internet by storm, and it’s easy to see why. With the flavor of a cheeseburger and the crispy bite of a quesadilla, it’s a quick, fun dinner idea the whole family will love.
Smashburger Quesadillas
Equipment
- skillet or griddle
- spatula or burger press
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or American cheese
- 0.5 cup diced onions (optional)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Place a tortilla on the hot surface and add 3–4 ounces of ground beef to one half of the tortilla.
- Smash the beef flat with a spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until beef is browned and crispy on the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over beef and add diced onions if desired.
- Fold tortilla in half over the filling and press gently with a spatula.
- Flip and cook for 1–2 more minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from pan, slice into wedges, and serve hot with burger sauce.
- To make sauce: mix mayo, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl.
Notes
What are Smashburger Quesadillas?
Smashburger Quesadillas combine the concept of a smashburger—a thin, crispy-edged burger patty cooked on a hot griddle—with the cheesy, melty appeal of a quesadilla. Ground beef is smashed directly onto a tortilla, topped with cheese and classic burger fixings, then folded and cooked until golden brown. The result is a handheld fusion of two favorites that’s juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 4 quesadillas.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or American cheese
- ½ cup diced onions (optional, for caramelizing)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings and add-ins
- Pickles
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Bacon bits
Substitutions
- Low-carb: use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps
- Dairy-free: use dairy-free cheese alternatives
- Turkey option: swap beef for ground turkey or chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Place a tortilla on the hot surface and add 3–4 ounces of ground beef on one half of the tortilla.
- Smash the beef thinly and evenly across the tortilla using a spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the beef browns and develops crispy edges.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the beef and add diced onions if using.
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling and press gently with the spatula.
- Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Remove, slice into wedges, and serve with burger sauce.
Quick burger sauce
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl for a simple dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Smashburger Quesadillas
- Use high heat to get crispy edges on the beef.
- Don’t overstuff—too much filling makes them hard to flip.
- For a cheesier version, sprinkle extra cheese on both sides of the beef.
- Buttering the outside of tortillas gives them a golden, grilled finish.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Variations
Smashburger Quesadillas are endlessly customizable. Try these twists:
- Bacon cheeseburger quesadilla: Add cooked bacon before folding.
- Spicy version: Use pepper jack cheese and jalapeños.
- Big Mac style: Add pickles, shredded lettuce, and special sauce after cooking.
- BBQ twist: Swap burger sauce for BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions.
Storage and Reheating
These quesadillas are best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as tortillas can get soggy.
Serving Ideas
Smashburger Quesadillas are a meal on their own, but pair well with sides like:
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- A simple side salad
- Coleslaw
- Pickle spears
They also make a fun party food when sliced into wedges and served on a platter.
Nutrition Breakdown
One Smashburger Quesadilla has roughly 480–520 calories, 25 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbs, and 28 grams of fat (depending on cheese and add-ins). Using lean beef and lighter tortillas reduces calories while still keeping the flavor.
Conclusion
Smashburger Quesadillas are a creative and delicious mashup that bring the best of burgers and quesadillas into one irresistible bite. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and customizable to suit any taste. Whether you’re following the viral TikTok trend or just craving a fun new dinner idea, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every crispy, cheesy wedge.
FAQs
Do I need a burger press for this recipe?
No, a sturdy spatula works fine for smashing the beef.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Pan-frying or griddle cooking is best for crispy texture, but you can bake at 400°F for 10 minutes if needed.
Can I meal prep Smashburger Quesadillas?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before cooking.
What cheese melts best?
American cheese gives the classic burger flavor, while cheddar adds sharpness. A blend works well too.
Can I make them vegetarian?