Your New Favorite Quesadilla Recipe: Smashburger Quesadillas
Hey there! If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone in the family, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m super excited to share with you my take on Smashburger Quesadillas. They’re cheesy, juicy, and oh-so-easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them a regular on your dinner table.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only are these Smashburger Quesadillas delicious, but they also come with some nutritional perks! By using lean ground beef, you’re getting a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, the diced tomatoes add a pop of fiber and vitamins, making this a more balanced meal. If you sneak in some veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, you can pump up the nutrients even more!
Fun Variations to Make
- Veggie Delight: Swap the ground beef for black beans or cooked shredded chicken for a lighter option. You can also throw in some diced bell peppers and onions for added flavor!
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a spice lover, don’t hesitate to add jalapeños or even spicy salsa to the filling. This is a great way to kick up the heat!
- Fully Loaded: Add extras like corn or even cooked bacon pieces for an ultimate flavor explosion!
Smashburger Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Salsa (for serving)
- Optional: Jalapeños, sliced (for added heat)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as you go (this will take about 5-7 minutes).
- Season the Beef: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now, add the taco seasoning and follow the package instructions—typically adding a bit of water and simmering until everything is fully incorporated and heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Then, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a flour tortilla flat on your counter. Sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese on one half of the tortilla, follow it up with your seasoned beef, some diced tomatoes, and another layer of Monterey Jack cheese. Carefully fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Using the same skillet (or a fresh one if you prefer), add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip it gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until the cheese is melted. Yum!
- Repeat Cooking: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Cut it into those delightful wedges. Repeat the assembly and cooking for the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange your quesadilla wedges on a nice platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro for that fresh touch. Serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add those sliced jalapeños!
- Enjoy: Now, dig in and enjoy your juicy, cheesy Smashburger Quesadillas! They are truly irresistible!
Practical Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheating them in the skillet will keep them crispy!
- Feel free to switch up the cheeses! Pepper jack or even a blend of mozzarella can give it wonderful flavors.
- If you like your quesadillas super crispy, consider cooking them in a little bit more oil or butter. It’s all about what you prefer!
Equipment Needed
Here are the tools you’ll want to have on hand to make this process easy:
- A large skillet (preferably non-stick)
- A spatula for flipping
- A cutting board and knife for chopping
- A mixing bowl for the beef seasoning (optional)
- A serving platter for your finished quesadillas
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different kind of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work great too.
- What if I don’t have taco seasoning? No worries! You can mix your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a bit of salt.
- How do I know when my quesadillas are done? They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese should be melted and gooey inside!
- Can I prepare these ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything in advance and just cook them right when you’re ready to eat.
- Can these be frozen? Yes, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight bag. Reheat directly from the freezer on the skillet!
Did you try making these Smashburger Quesadillas? I would absolutely love to know how they turned out for you! Share your experience with me, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more delicious, easy recipes that will spice up your meals!
