The Ultimate Smashburger Taco Quesadilla Recipe

The internet is buzzing with viral food trends, and the smashburger taco has captured everyone’s attention. We’re taking that mouthwatering concept to the next level by transforming it into a hearty quesadilla. This innovative smashburger taco quesadilla recipe combines crispy, thin beef patties with gooey cheese and fresh toppings, all nestled within a perfectly seared tortilla. Prepare for an explosion of flavor and an irresistible texture that’s truly unmatched.

Why You’ll Love This Smashburger Taco Quesadilla

You’re in for a treat with this incredible smashburger taco quesadilla recipe. It perfectly blends all the best elements of a classic burger and a satisfying taco.

• Enjoy double-charred, crispy beef patties that offer an amazing textural contrast.
• The cheese melts flawlessly, creating a delicious, adhesive layer that holds everything together.
• We use sturdy flour tortillas that won’t crack under the pressure, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• This dish is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly fun to eat, perfect for busy parents and beginners.
• Customize your quesadilla to get that perfect fast-food flavor right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Special Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) minced sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Quesadillas:

• 20 ounces (570 g) ground beef (80/20 chuck recommended)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 16 slices American cheese singles
• 8 (8- to 9-inch) large flour tortillas
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 20 to 24 dill pickle chips
• 1 cup (45 g) shredded iceberg lettuce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

When preparing this smashburger taco quesadilla recipe, the quality and type of ingredients make a difference. Opt for 80/20 ground chuck for the best fat-to-meat ratio; this ensures juicy patties with excellent crisping. American cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and consistently, creating that signature gooey texture. Flour tortillas are preferred over corn tortillas because they are more pliable and less likely to break when folded and pressed. For the special sauce, you can swap sweet pickle relish for finely diced dill pickles if you prefer a less sweet profile. Feel free to experiment with other burger toppings like crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce for extra kick.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools for this smashburger taco quesadilla recipe. A large cast iron or carbon steel skillet is essential for achieving that perfect crust. For optimal results, consider the benefits of using a cast iron skillet for smash burgers. A sturdy, wide metal spatula helps with smashing and flipping. A kitchen scale is optional but useful for portioning ground beef accurately. You will also need a small mixing bowl for your special sauce.

Instructions

Creating this flavorful smashburger taco quesadilla recipe is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a delicious meal everyone will love.

Make the Special Sauce:

• In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles or relish, sugar, and vinegar.
• Mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
• Set the special sauce aside or refrigerate it if you are preparing it ahead of time.

Prepare Beef Patties:

• Portion the ground beef into four 5-ounce balls.
• Press them together just until the meat holds its shape without falling apart. Avoid overworking the meat.

Cook the Quesadillas (One at a Time):

• Add the vegetable oil to a 12-inch stainless-steel, carbon steel, or cast iron skillet and heat over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly.
• Place one of the beef meatballs into the hot skillet. Using a wide, stiff metal spatula, immediately press down on it firmly until it is roughly the diameter of your tortilla. Use something hefty, like a second stiff spatula or tongs, to apply good pressure.
• Generously season the flattened patty with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, allowing a dark brown, crispy crust to form on the bottom.
• Carefully flip the patty over, using the edge of your spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the pan.
• Top the cooked patty with 2 slices of American cheese and cook for another 30 seconds to begin melting.
• Next, add 5-6 dill pickle chips and 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped yellow onion directly onto the cheesy patty.
• Place one flour tortilla on top of the patty, cheese, and toppings. Press down firmly using your spatula to ensure the cheese adheres the tortilla to the beef.
• Using your spatula, carefully flip the entire assembly (patty, cheese, toppings, and tortilla) over.
• Immediately add 2 more slices of American cheese on top of the cooked tortilla side.
• Place a second flour tortilla on top of the newly added cheese. Press firmly to adhere.
• Flip the quesadilla once more and cook briefly, about 30 seconds, to allow the extra cheese to melt and the second tortilla to warm through.
• Remove the finished quesadilla from the pan. Repeat this process with the remaining balls of meat, tortillas, and toppings.

Serve Quesadillas:

• Slice each quesadilla into 6 equal triangles for easy handling and eating.
• Top with a generous amount of shredded iceberg lettuce, if desired.
• Drizzle with the prepared special sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
• Serve your warm smashburger taco quesadilla with extra sauce immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect smashburger taco quesadilla requires a few key techniques. Always ensure your skillet is preheated to high heat until smoking; this is crucial for getting that signature crispy smash. Use a heavy, sturdy tool like a second spatula or a bacon press to smash your beef patties as thin as possible immediately after placing them in the pan. Don’t be afraid to scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet; these are packed with flavor and add to the texture. Avoid overcrowding the skillet by cooking only one quesadilla at a time. This maintains high heat and ensures proper searing. Adjust cooking time based on your stovetop and desired crispness. Finally, pay attention to the beef-to-tortilla ratio; too much beef can make the quesadilla difficult to handle.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This smashburger taco quesadilla is a versatile dish perfect for any meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your smashburger taco quesadilla with a generous side of the special sauce for dipping.
• Pair these delicious quesadillas with classic crispy fries or golden onion rings.
• Enjoy them as a hearty lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fun party appetizer.

Storage:

• To store leftovers, allow the smashburger taco quesadillas to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Variations:

• Spicy Sauce: Kick up the heat by adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or gochujang to the special sauce.
• Added Veggies: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Burger Seasonings: Experiment with different burger seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a touch of cayenne.
• Other Cheeses: While American cheese is recommended for its melt, you can try provolone or Monterey Jack. Be cautious, as they may not melt as smoothly.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious smashburger taco quesadilla. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this hearty meal!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use a different type of cheese?
American cheese provides the best melt and adhesion for this smashburger taco quesadilla. You can try provolone or Monterey Jack, but they may not achieve the same gooey texture.

What kind of ground beef is best?
We recommend 80/20 ground chuck for its fat content, which ensures juicy patties and a beautiful crispy crust. Understanding the science behind ground beef selection can enhance your cooking, as detailed in this guide to the ideal fat-to-meat ratio for smash burgers. This is key for the best flavor in your smashburger taco quesadilla recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the special sauce and chop your toppings in advance. However, assemble and cook the quesadillas right before serving for optimal freshness and crispness.

How do I reheat leftover quesadillas?
Reheat your leftover smashburger taco quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. This method helps restore their crispiness without making them soggy.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, this base recipe is not spicy. You can easily add heat to the special sauce with hot sauce or chili flakes if you prefer a spicier flavor.

Why use two tortillas instead of one?
Using two tortillas creates a more substantial, sturdy quesadilla that holds all the delicious fillings better. It also adds to the satisfying texture and prevents tearing when flipping.

Conclusion

This smashburger taco quesadilla recipe takes a viral sensation and elevates it into an unforgettable meal. The combination of crispy, flavorful beef, perfectly melted cheese, and fresh toppings nestled between two tortillas creates an irresistible taste and texture. It’s truly an elevated twist on fast-food favorites that’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t wait to try this incredible dish; we encourage you to make it tonight and share your delicious creations!

The Ultimate Smashburger Taco Quesadilla Recipe

This recipe combines the best of smashburgers, tacos, and quesadillas into one irresistible dish. Featuring a savory special sauce, perfectly smashed and seasoned beef patties, gooey American cheese, and fresh toppings, it's a flavorful and satisfying meal that will become a new favorite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 quesadillas

Calories: 1050

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Special Sauce

• 6 tablespoons ml mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ml ketchup
• 2 tablespoons g minced sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

Quesadillas

• 20 ounces g ground beef
• 2 tablespoons ml vegetable oil
• 16 slices American cheese singles
• 8 flour tortillas 8- to 9-inch
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped about 1 cup
• 20 to 24 dill pickle chips
• 1 cup g shredded iceberg lettuce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

• Small bowl
• 12-inch stainless-steel, carbon steel, or cast iron skillet
• Wide, stiff metal spatula
• Tongs

Method

 

For the Special Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles or relish, sugar, and vinegar, then stir until well mixed. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate if preparing in advance.

For the Quesadillas

1. Divide the ground beef into four equal 5-ounce portions, gently pressing each into a ball.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke. Place one beef ball in the hot skillet and use a sturdy metal spatula to firmly press it into a thin patty, roughly the size of a tortilla. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the patty undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a dark brown crust forms, then carefully flip it over, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Top the flipped patty with 2 slices of American cheese and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add 5-6 dill pickle chips and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped onion, and immediately place a tortilla on top, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres to the cheese.
5. Flip the entire assembly again, add 2 more slices of cheese on the tortilla side, and place a second tortilla on top, pressing to adhere. Cook briefly for about 30 seconds until the extra cheese melts, then remove from the pan.
6. Repeat the smashing, cooking, and layering process for the remaining beef balls, tortillas, and toppings. Once all quesadillas are cooked, slice each into 6 equal triangles.
7. Garnish with shredded lettuce, if desired, and drizzle with the special sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For best results, ensure your skillet is very hot before smashing the beef patties to achieve a dark brown crust. Using a second sturdy tool to apply pressure on the spatula helps create a good smash. Don't forget to scrape up all the browned bits when flipping for maximum flavor.