If you love bold flavors and easy meals, Smashburger Quesadillas are for you. This tasty recipe mixes juicy beef with gooey cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. I’ll share simple steps to make these delicious quesadillas at home. Plus, I’ll offer tips and variations to jazz up your dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika gives the beef an incredible depth of flavor that really shines through.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the fillings to suit your taste, adding in your favorite veggies or using different types of cheese.
- Perfect for Sharing: These quesadillas are great for sharing with friends and family, and they make for a fun and interactive meal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Smashburger Quesadillas
To make Smashburger quesadillas, you need these main ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
These ingredients create a tasty filling. The beef adds protein, while the cheese gives it that melty goodness.
Optional Fresh Ingredients
You can add fresh ingredients for extra flavor:
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 avocado, sliced
These optional ingredients brighten up your quesadillas. The tomatoes and onions add crunch, while cilantro gives freshness. Sliced avocado adds creaminess.
Serving Condiments
For serving, I recommend these condiments:
– Salsa
– Sour cream
These condiments add tang and flavor. You can dip your quesadilla or drizzle them on top. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef Filling
To start, heat a skillet on medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pan. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the meat as it cooks. Smash it into flat patties using a spatula. This creates crispy edges, which add great flavor. Cook the beef until it is brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and add diced tomatoes, red onion, and half of the cilantro. Mix everything well.
Assembling the Quesadilla
Now, grab a large skillet or griddle and heat it to medium. Place one tortilla on the skillet. On half of the tortilla, add a layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Next, add a good portion of the beef mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle more cheese on top of the beef. Carefully fold the tortilla in half over the filling. This helps the cheese melt and hold everything together.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown, crispy finish. The cheese should be fully melted. Use a spatula to press down gently when flipping. Once cooked, take it off the skillet and repeat with the other tortillas and filling. To serve, cut each quesadilla into wedges. Garnish with avocado slices and the rest of the cilantro. Serve with your favorite salsa and sour cream on the side. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Quesadillas
To make the best quesadillas, use a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat. This helps cook evenly without burning. Always use fresh tortillas. They hold fillings better and taste great. Cook them in batches. This keeps them warm and crispy.
How to Achieve Crispy Texture
For crispy quesadillas, use enough cheese. It acts like glue and adds crunch. Try butter or oil on the skillet. This gives a nice golden color. Flip your quesadilla gently. Press down lightly with a spatula. This helps form a crispy crust.
Flavor Boosting Ideas
Want more flavor? Add spices like chili powder or cumin. You can also toss in some jalapeños for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley work wonders. Mix in cooked mushrooms or peppers for extra taste. Don’t forget your favorite dips like salsa or guacamole!
Pro Tips
- Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for a good quality ground beef, preferably an 80/20 blend, to ensure that your quesadillas are juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing your quesadillas to ensure they cook evenly and don’t fall apart when flipping.
- Press While Cooking: Gently press down on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt and create a crispy exterior.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like jalapeños or bell peppers to customize your quesadilla filling to your taste.
Variations
Vegetarian Smashburger Quesadillas
You can easily switch to a vegetarian version. Use black beans or lentils instead of beef. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for flavor. Add diced bell peppers, corn, and spinach for more texture and taste. Don’t forget to mix in some cheese for that gooey goodness. This version is just as tasty and packed with nutrition.
Spicy Quesadilla Options
If you love heat, spice up your quesadillas! Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a zesty kick. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the cheese. For an even bolder flavor, try using spicy pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can serve these spicy quesadillas with a side of salsa verde for an extra boost.
Alternative Cheese Combos
Cheese is key in quesadillas. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, feel free to mix it up. Try using Swiss cheese or Gouda for a unique twist. You can also blend different cheeses, like feta and mozzarella, for fun flavors. The goal is to find a cheese that melts well and enhances the overall taste of your quesadilla. Experiment and find your favorite combo!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Quesadillas
After you enjoy your Smashburger quesadillas, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. Place a layer of parchment paper between quesadillas to avoid sticking. Refrigerate them for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the quesadilla may get soft. Heat for about 30-45 seconds.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze your quesadillas, let them cool completely first. Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as described above.
FAQs
What are Smashburger Quesadillas made of?
Smashburger Quesadillas are packed with flavor. They use simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Salsa and sour cream, for serving
This mix of beef, cheese, and veggies creates a yummy taste.
How to customize Smashburger Quesadillas?
You can easily customize your Smashburger Quesadillas. Here are some fun ideas:
– Add Veggies: Try bell peppers or spinach for extra crunch.
– Change Cheeses: Use pepper jack or feta for different flavors.
– Spice it Up: Add jalapeños for heat or a spicy sauce.
– Mix Meats: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
These changes can make your quesadillas unique every time.
Can I make Smashburger Quesadillas in advance?
Yes, you can make Smashburger Quesadillas in advance. Here’s how:
– Prepare Filling: Cook the beef and mix in the veggies. Let it cool.
– Assemble Quesadillas: Make them but do not cook yet. Place them between parchment paper.
– Store in Fridge: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
When ready, just cook them in a skillet until crispy. Enjoy!
You now know how to make Smashburger quesadillas. We discussed main ingredients, steps to prepare, and cooking tips. I shared flavor boosts and variations to try. You can store leftovers or even freeze them for later.
Remember, these quesadillas are easy to customize. Be creative and make them your own! Enjoy the deliciousness you create in your kitche
