– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup diced onions
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
– Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or diced tomatoes
Follow these simple steps to create your amazing Smashburger Quesadillas:
1. Prepare the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until well browned (approximately 6-8 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Sauté Onions: As the beef finishes cooking, add the diced onions to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Mix Ingredients: Once the onions are cooked, stir them into the ground beef mixture to combine flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Preheat Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble Quesadillas: Place a tortilla on the heated skillet. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla. Top with a generous scoop of the beef and onion mixture. Add an additional layer of cheese on top of the filling and fold the tortilla over.
6. Cook Quesadillas: Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until it’s evenly cooked.
7. Repeat: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
8. Cut and Serve: Once cooked, cut each quesadilla into wedges and hold warmth until ready to serve.