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Juicy Spicy Cheddar Smashburger Quesadillas

Spicy Cheddar Smashburger Quesadillas

These quesadillas combine crispy smashburger patties with spicy cheddar and fresh jalapeños, creating a flavorful meal perfect for dinner or any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet for cooking patties and quesadillas
  • 1 mixing bowl to combine ground beef and spices
  • 1 spatula for smashing patties

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños fresh or pickled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salsa sour cream, and guacamole for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; mix until just combined.
  • Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into thin patties.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the patties once hot.
  • Smash the patties with a spatula to ensure full contact with the skillet and cook until crispy on one side, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Flip patties and cook for another 2 minutes or until desired doneness; remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat; add butter to coat the skillet bottom.
  • Place one flour tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Top with one cooked patty, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, and another 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Fold the tortilla over to enclose the fillings and press gently to seal.
  • Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
  • Repeat with remaining tortillas and ingredients.
  • Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapeños for more heat or pickled for tanginess.
  • Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variation.
  • Warm tortillas briefly before assembling to prevent cracking.
  • For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Pairs well with iced tea or light beer.