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- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) - 4 large flour tortillas - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup diced red onion - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 avocado, sliced - Salsa and sour cream - Optional garnishes (lime, additional cilantro) The main ingredients list is simple but full of flavor. The ground beef provides a juicy base. The tortillas hold everything together while adding crunch. Cheese brings gooey richness that you will love. For seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth to the beef. Salt and pepper enhance the flavor. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes and onions add brightness. Cilantro and avocado give a fresh twist. Finally, serving with salsa and sour cream makes each bite even better. Lime and extra cilantro are great for garnish. These ingredients create a delicious experience you won’t forget. Enjoy the flavorful crunch of your Smashburger quesadillas! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the beef, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one pound of ground beef. I like to use an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and some salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Break up the beef with a spatula as it cooks. Form it into flat patties. This step helps create crispy edges. Once the beef is browned and cooked, take it off the heat. Stir in one cup of diced tomatoes, half a cup of diced red onion, and half of the chopped cilantro. Mixing these ingredients adds great flavor to your filling. Seasoning is key! You want every bite to burst with taste. Now it's time to assemble the quesadilla. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one large flour tortilla on the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, add a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Then, scoop a generous amount of the beef mixture on top. Add a little more cheese for extra gooeyness. Carefully fold the tortilla in half. Cook the quesadilla for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. It should turn golden brown and crispy. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help it brown evenly. After cooking, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and cut it into wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until you have a plate full of delicious quesadillas. To ensure even cooking, always preheat your skillet. Use medium heat for the best results. Place one tortilla on the hot skillet. Add cheese and filling on one half. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. This method helps it cook evenly. For spatula techniques, use a wide spatula. It makes flipping easier. Gently press down while cooking. This promotes even browning and crispy edges. Flip carefully to avoid spills. You can spice things up with different seasonings. Try adding cumin or chili powder for extra kick. You can also mix in some smoked paprika. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with beef. Adding more vegetables boosts taste and nutrition. Consider bell peppers, spinach, or corn. These add color and crunch. You can also include proteins like chicken or turkey for a twist. For gatherings, serve quesadillas on a bright platter. Cutting them into wedges makes for easy sharing. Arrange them in a circle with dips in the center. It looks appealing and is fun to enjoy. Best garnishes include fresh cilantro and avocado slices. They add color and freshness to the plate. A sprinkle of lime juice brightens the dish. It enhances the flavors and makes it look even better. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for a good quality ground beef with a higher fat content for juicier and more flavorful quesadillas. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add lots of filling, keep it moderate to ensure the quesadilla cooks evenly and holds together. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist! Keep It Warm: If making multiple quesadillas, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you cook the rest to serve them hot. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in your quesadillas. Try using chicken or turkey for a leaner choice. Ground turkey works well. You can even make a veggie version. Use black beans or mushrooms for a tasty twist. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are great, feel free to mix it up. Pepper Jack adds some spice and zing. For a creamier taste, try using cream cheese or goat cheese. You can also use a blend of different cheeses for a rich flavor. Experiment until you find your favorite mix. Salsas can really change the game for your quesadillas. Try fresh pico de gallo for a bright touch. Mango salsa gives a sweet twist. If you want something bolder, opt for chipotle salsa. You can also explore different dipping sauces. Ranch dressing or guacamole are tasty choices too. Each sauce offers a new flavor adventure. To keep your Smashburger quesadillas fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover quesadillas in an airtight container. They stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge. - Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy your quesadillas again, here’s how to reheat them: - Methods: Use a skillet over medium heat for best results. This keeps the quesadilla crispy. You can also use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. - Time and Temperature: If using the skillet, heat each side for about 3-4 minutes. Check to ensure the cheese melts and the outside turns golden brown. Want to make your week easier? Meal prep your quesadillas: - Preparing in Advance: Cook the beef and prepare the filling in advance. Store it in the fridge for quick assembly. - Suggested Storage Containers: Use clear, airtight containers for the filling. This way, you can see what you have ready to go! For quesadillas, wrap them in foil or store in a container to keep them fresh. To make Smashburger-style quesadillas, you need a few key ingredients. First, use ground beef, ideally an 80/20 blend. This mix provides the right fat for flavor. You will also need garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for seasoning. Fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro add freshness. For the cheesy goodness, grab shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Large flour tortillas hold it all together. Absolutely! You can personalize fillings to suit your taste. Try adding black beans for extra protein. Chopped bell peppers or jalapeños offer a nice kick. You could also swap the beef for grilled chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or zucchini. Just remember to keep the cheese, as it melts beautifully and brings all the flavors together. A typical Smashburger quesadilla has around 600 calories per serving. This includes about 30 grams of fat and 40 grams of protein. The cheese and beef contribute to the fat content. If you add veggies, the fiber content increases, making them a bit healthier. Always check specific brands for exact nutritional values, as they can vary. You can find Smashburger quesadillas at any Smashburger location. They are part of their menu and offer a great taste. If you want to enjoy them at home, you can easily make them using the recipe provided above. This way, you can enjoy Smashburger-style quesadillas anytime. In this article, we explored how to make delicious quesadillas. We covered key ingredients like ground beef and cheese, then shared tips for cooking and assembling them. I highlighted variations, storage methods, and even answered common questions. Feel free to experiment with flavors and fillings. Customize your quesadillas to fit your taste. With these steps, you can create a dish that delights everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Smashburger Quesadillas

Delicious quesadillas filled with seasoned ground beef, cheeses, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 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
  • to serve salsa and sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat over medium-high. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef and using a spatula to form it into flat patties.
  • Once the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and half of the chopped cilantro.
  • Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one tortilla on the hot skillet. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous layer of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add a hearty scoop of the beef mixture over the cheese, and top with a bit more cheese. Carefully fold the tortilla over the filling.
  • Cook the quesadilla for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
  • Once the quesadilla is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and cut into wedges. Return the skillet to the heat and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until all quesadillas are made.
  • Arrange the quesadilla wedges on a serving platter. Garnish with the sliced avocado, remaining cilantro, and serve alongside salsa and sour cream.

Notes

Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Keyword beef, cheese, easy meal, quesadillas