There are few things more satisfying than a perfectly juicy smashburger or a golden, crispy quesadilla—so why not combine the best of both worlds? Smashburger quesadillas are the ultimate comfort food fusion: flavorful smashed beef patties layered with gooey melted cheese, pressed between crispy tortillas, and seared to perfection.
Whether you’re cooking for a game day crowd, spicing up your weeknight dinners, or craving something indulgent and satisfying, these quesadilla smashburgers hit the spot. Inspired by viral social media trends and the rise of creative street food mashups, this recipe is both simple to make and wildly impressive to serve.
Get ready to turn a few pantry staples and ground beef into a dish that might just steal the spotlight from your regular burgers and tacos.
Why You’ll Love Smashburger Quesadillas
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
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Melty cheese in every bite
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Fast and family-friendly
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Easily customizable with your favorite burger toppings
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Great for sharing or serving as a fun appetizer
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 4 large quesadilla smashburgers.
For the Smashburgers:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
For Assembly:
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4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
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4 tablespoons burger sauce or mayo
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½ cup sliced pickles
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½ cup diced red onions or caramelized onions
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Butter or oil, for cooking
Optional Toppings and Add-Ins:
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Cooked bacon pieces
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Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
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Shredded lettuce (for after cooking)
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Tomato slices
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Sriracha or hot sauce
How to Make Smashburger Quesadillas
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Beef
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Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each).
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Roll each portion loosely into a ball and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
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Optional: drizzle a bit of Worcestershire sauce over each ball for richer flavor.
Step 2: Smash and Cook the Burger Patties
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Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, place a beef ball on the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula or burger press to flatten into a thin patty.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and browned.
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Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef.
Tip: You can cook two patties at a time and keep them warm in the oven (200°F) while you prep the quesadillas.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
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Wipe the skillet clean and reduce heat to medium.
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Lightly butter or oil one side of a tortilla and place it butter-side down in the skillet.
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On one half of the tortilla, add:
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A layer of shredded cheese
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One smashburger patty
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Pickles, onions, and any other toppings
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A dollop of burger sauce
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More shredded cheese on top
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Fold the tortilla in half to form a semi-circle. Press down gently with a spatula.
Step 4: Crisp and Melt
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Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Repeat with remaining tortillas and smashburger patties.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
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Let each quesadilla cool for 1–2 minutes, then slice into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
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Serve hot with extra burger sauce, dipping sauces, or your favorite side dishes.
Smashburger Sauce (Quick DIY Recipe)
No burger—or quesadilla burger—is complete without the right sauce. Here’s a fast and tasty homemade burger sauce:
Ingredients:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 teaspoon pickle juice
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon finely chopped pickles or relish
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Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Topping and Variation Ideas
Make It Spicy
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Add chipotle mayo or hot sauce
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Include jalapeños or pepper jack cheese
Make It Bacon-Friendly
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Crumble cooked bacon over the cheese before folding the quesadilla
Double It Up
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Add two patties in one quesadilla for a true double smash experience
Breakfast Smash Quesadilla
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Add a fried egg, sautéed onions, and breakfast sausage crumbles for a morning version
Vegetarian Version
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Use plant-based ground beef or a black bean patty
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Substitute dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo to keep it plant-based
What to Serve With Smashburger Quesadillas
Complete your meal with these sides and drinks:
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Crispy French fries or tater tots
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Loaded nachos or cheesy corn dip
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Coleslaw or a simple green salad
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Craft beer, soda, or iced tea
This recipe also makes an incredible party platter when cut into mini wedges and served on a large tray.
Tips for the Best Smashburger Quesadillas
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Use a cast iron skillet: It gives you the best sear and crispy tortilla.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook one quesadilla at a time to get the crispiest texture.
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Use two cheeses: Mixing cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect stretch and flavor.
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Serve immediately: These are best hot off the skillet, but you can keep them warm in a low oven if needed.
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Customize toppings: Keep your favorite burger fixings on hand and let guests personalize their quesadillas.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead Tips:
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Patties can be cooked in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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Burger sauce can be prepped up to a week in advance.
Storage:
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Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
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Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tortillas crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Flour tortillas work best for structure and size, but you can use corn tortillas for a smaller, taco-style version.
What ground beef is best for smashburgers?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best mix of fat and flavor. Leaner beef may dry out.
Can I freeze smashburger quesadillas?
Yes, assemble and cook them, then cool completely. Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely! Skip the spicy toppings and serve with ketchup or mild sauce for a kid-friendly version.
