Savory Cheeseburger Quesadillas with Special Sauce

Craving the ultimate comfort food with a twist? Look no further than these incredibly delicious Cheeseburger Quesadillas with Homemade Burger Sauce! This recipe transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a convenient, crispy, and utterly satisfying quesadilla format. Imagine perfectly golden-brown tortillas embracing a hearty filling of juicy, seasoned ground beef, generously melted cheese, and a sweet, tangy, and savory homemade burger sauce that brings every element together in a symphony of taste. It’s a fun, easy-to-make dish that promises to become a new family favorite for weeknight dinners, lunch, or even a delightful snack.

cheeseburger quesadilla with pickles and burger sauce on a wooden cutting board

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Cheeseburger Quesadillas

These Cheeseburger Quesadillas aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience! Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary rotation:

  • Unbeatable Flavor: All the deliciousness of a classic cheeseburger – savory beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauce – packed into a crispy tortilla shell. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice when time is of the essence but you don’t want to compromise on taste.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these quesadillas. It’s a fun, interactive meal that caters to diverse palates and is easily customizable for picky eaters.
  • Highly Customizable: From different cheeses and meats to various toppings and sauces, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Make it your own with endless possibilities.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Cooked primarily in one skillet, these quesadillas keep your kitchen tidy, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
  • Comfort Food Reinvented: It takes two beloved comfort foods – cheeseburgers and quesadillas – and merges them into a single, irresistible dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

Key Ingredients for Success

To create these mouthwatering cheeseburger quesadillas, you’ll need a handful of staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that authentic flavor and satisfying texture. Opting for high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results.

  • Tortillas: The foundation of our quesadilla! Choose your preferred style, typically flour tortillas, which provide a soft, flexible wrap that crisps up beautifully.
  • Ground Beef or Turkey: The heart of the “cheeseburger” experience. Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) offers a rich flavor, while ground turkey is a fantastic leaner alternative without sacrificing taste when properly seasoned.
  • Cheese: Essential for that gooey, melty texture. A blend of cheeses often works best, providing both flavor and superior melt.
  • Burger Seasoning or Rub: A key component for infusing the beef with classic burger flavors. A good seasoning blend will typically include onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pickles: The signature tangy crunch that elevates the cheeseburger experience. Diced pickles add a bright, zesty contrast to the rich beef and cheese.
raw ground beef in a glass bowl
homemade burger rub seasoning, pickles, and worcestershire sauce in separate white bowls

Choosing the Perfect Cheese

The right cheese is paramount for a truly satisfying cheeseburger quesadilla. You want a cheese that melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture, and complements the savory beef. While personal preference plays a big role, here are some excellent options to consider, along with their characteristics:

  • Cheddar: A classic choice for cheeseburgers, cheddar offers a sharp, distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef. It melts well, especially when shredded. I often use a medium or sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste.
  • Mozzarella: If you’re after maximum gooeyness, mozzarella is your go-to. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the beef, and its incredible stretch factor makes for a very satisfying quesadilla. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
  • Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully, achieving a creamy consistency. Its mild, buttery flavor makes it a versatile choice that harmonizes well with the other ingredients without being too bold.
  • American Cheese: For a truly traditional cheeseburger taste, American cheese is surprisingly effective. It melts exceptionally smoothly and quickly, providing that iconic diner-style cheeseburger feel.
  • Pepper Jack: For those who enjoy a little heat, pepper jack offers a mild to medium spicy kick. It melts just as well as Monterey Jack and adds an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
  • Swiss Cheese: Adding Swiss cheese introduces a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, along with a creamy texture. It’s a great option if you want to diversify the taste beyond the usual.

Feel free to experiment with a single type of cheese or create your own blend. The goal is a rich, melted layer that binds the filling together.

grated cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese in separate glass bowls

Selecting Your Tortillas: Type and Size

The choice of tortilla significantly impacts the texture and overall experience of your quesadilla. While you can certainly use whatever style and type you prefer, understanding the differences can help you achieve your desired result. An 8-inch tortilla is generally considered the standard size for a single-serving quesadilla, offering enough surface area for a generous filling without being too unwieldy.

  • Flour Tortillas: These are the most common choice for quesadillas. They are soft, flexible, and have a mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the filling. When cooked, they become delightfully crispy on the outside while remaining tender within. Their pliability makes them easy to fold or press together, creating a perfectly sealed quesadilla.
  • Corn Tortillas: Typically smaller and thicker than flour tortillas, corn tortillas offer a distinct earthy, slightly sweet corn flavor. They tend to be a bit more fragile but can crisp up wonderfully, especially when fried. If using corn tortillas, you might need to use two smaller ones per serving or adjust your cooking method slightly to prevent them from breaking.
  • Whole Wheat Tortillas: A healthier option, whole wheat tortillas are denser than white flour tortillas and offer added fiber and nutrients. They provide a heartier texture and a slightly nutty flavor. They perform similarly to flour tortillas when cooked, though they might take a touch longer to achieve the same level of crispness.
  • Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Tortillas: For those with dietary restrictions, there are many excellent low-carb and gluten-free tortilla options available. Their behavior when cooking can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check product recommendations for best results.

No matter your choice, ensure the tortillas are fresh for the best texture and pliability. If they seem stiff, a quick warm-up in the microwave or a dry skillet can make them more manageable.

flour tortillas on a flat surface

Crafting Your Cheeseburger Quesadillas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these cheeseburger quesadillas is a straightforward process, breaking down into three main stages: preparing the savory beef filling, assembling your quesadillas, and finally, cooking them to golden perfection. Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying meal. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling

  1. Brown the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef or turkey to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon or a meat chopper and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned and no longer pink.
  2. Drain and Season: This is a crucial step for preventing soggy quesadillas! Carefully drain any excess fat from the cooked beef. Return the beef to the skillet (or transfer to a bowl) and season generously with Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried minced onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  3. Pat Dry: For an extra measure against sogginess, pat the seasoned meat dry with a paper towel. This removes any residual moisture. Set the filling aside while you prepare the tortillas and sauce.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas

  1. Sauce the Tortillas: Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the homemade burger sauce (or your preferred condiment) over one side of each tortilla. This not only adds flavor but also helps the tortillas adhere to each other.
  2. Add the Filling: Evenly divide the prepared cheeseburger filling, diced pickles, and grated cheese among half of the tortillas. Leave a small border around the edge.
  3. Top and Press: Place another tortilla on top of each filled tortilla, pressing down gently to form a sealed quesadilla. Ensure the filling is contained.

3. Cook the Quesadillas

  1. Heat the Pan: Using the same skillet (or a fresh one if preferred), add 1 teaspoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil or butter is shimmering before adding the quesadillas.
  2. Cook to Golden Perfection: Carefully place one or two quesadillas (depending on pan size) into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is gloriously melted and gooey.
  3. Repeat: Remove the cooked quesadillas from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining ones, adding more oil or butter as needed for each batch.
collage of 4 photos with ground beef cooked and seasoned in a cast iron skillet
collage of 4 photos with cheeseburger quesadilla in a cast iron skillet

Preventing Soggy Quesadillas: Essential Tips

No one likes a soggy quesadilla! The key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior and well-contained filling lies in managing moisture. Here are crucial tips to ensure your cheeseburger quesadillas stay delightfully crisp and never become soggy:

  • Thoroughly Drain Excess Fat: After browning your ground beef or turkey, it’s absolutely essential to drain as much fat as possible. Excess fat will render out during cooking and soak into your tortilla, making it greasy and soggy. Use a colander or tilt the skillet and spoon out the fat.
  • Pat the Meat Dry: Even after draining, some moisture can remain in the cooked meat. Gently pressing the seasoned beef with a paper towel before adding it to the tortilla will absorb any lingering juices. This small step makes a significant difference.
  • Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up your quesadilla, overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and make it harder for the tortilla to crisp up. Too much filling also means more moisture content inside, increasing the risk of sogginess. Aim for a balanced amount that allows the tortillas to meet and seal properly.
  • Preheat Your Pan Properly: A hot pan is crucial for achieving a crispy tortilla. Ensure your skillet is heated to medium-high before adding the quesadilla. The immediate high heat helps to quickly crisp the tortilla surface.
  • Use a Small Amount of Oil or Butter: While excess fat from the meat is bad, a small amount of olive oil or butter in the hot skillet helps create that golden-brown, crispy exterior. Don’t drench the pan, just enough to lightly coat the surface.
  • Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking one or two quesadillas at a time ensures even heat distribution and allows steam to escape, preventing a buildup of moisture that could lead to sogginess.

The Ideal Pan for Crispy Quesadillas

The secret to perfectly golden-brown and crispy quesadillas often lies in the pan you use. The right cookware can make all the difference in achieving that desirable texture. While several options can work, one stands out for its superior performance:

  • Cast Iron Skillet (Highly Recommended): A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is arguably the best pan for making crispy quesadillas. I use this 10.5-inch cast iron skillet, and it consistently delivers exceptional results.
    • Even Heat Distribution: Cast iron heats up slowly but distributes heat incredibly evenly across its surface, eliminating hot spots and ensuring a uniform crispness.
    • Superior Heat Retention: Once hot, cast iron retains heat exceptionally well. This consistent temperature helps in achieving a beautiful, golden-brown crust without burning, and also helps to melt the cheese thoroughly.
    • Natural Non-Stick Properties: With proper seasoning, a cast iron skillet develops a natural non-stick surface, making it easy to flip quesadillas and preventing them from sticking.
  • Non-Stick Skillet: Non-stick skillets are also a good, convenient option, especially for easy cleanup and preventing sticking. They require less oil or butter, which can be a plus. However, while they are functional, I often find that non-stick skillets don’t provide the same deep, crunchy, golden-brown finish that a cast iron pan does. They tend to yield a slightly softer tortilla compared to the robust crispness from cast iron. Make sure your non-stick pan is large enough to accommodate the quesadilla without overcrowding, allowing for easy flipping.
  • Griddle: A flat-top griddle or a large electric griddle is excellent if you’re making multiple quesadillas simultaneously. They offer a large, even cooking surface, perfect for batch cooking and achieving consistent crispness across several quesadillas.

Whichever pan you choose, ensure it’s adequately preheated to medium-high heat before adding your quesadilla. This initial burst of heat is key to kick-starting the crisping process and preventing sogginess.

cheeseburger quesadilla with pickles and burger sauce on a wooden cutting board

Creative Customizations & Add-Ins

One of the best things about these Cheeseburger Quesadillas is their versatility! While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize them with various substitutions and add-ins to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own!

  • Classic Burger Toppings:
    • Ketchup & Mustard: Beyond the burger sauce, a drizzle of classic ketchup and yellow or Dijon mustard can enhance the traditional burger flavor.
    • Sautéed Onions or Caramelized Onions: Add a layer of sweetness and depth. Caramelized onions take a bit longer but are worth the effort for their rich, sweet flavor.
    • Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and freshness.
    • Lettuce: For a fresh crunch, shred some lettuce and add it immediately after cooking, right before serving.
    • Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños can provide a spicy kick.
    • Crispy Onion Strings: For extra texture and flavor, add some store-bought or homemade crispy onion strings.
  • Extra Proteins:
    • Crumbled Bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crispness.
    • Cooked Sausage or Diced Ham: For a different savory profile, try adding cooked breakfast sausage or finely diced ham.
    • Fried Egg: For a breakfast-for-dinner twist or an extra decadent meal, add a fried egg inside.
  • Vegetable Boosters:
    • Bell Peppers: Diced and sautéed bell peppers (any color) add a mild sweetness and extra nutrients.
    • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy, umami flavor.
    • Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add a rich, healthy fat and smooth texture.
  • Other Sauces & Dips:
    • BBQ Sauce: For a smoky, sweet flavor, brush a thin layer of BBQ sauce inside.
    • Ranch Dressing: A creamy and herby alternative to burger sauce.
    • Hot Sauce: If you love heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the spice level.
    • Guacamole or Salsa: While more traditional for Mexican quesadillas, these can still provide a fresh, zesty kick that complements the beef.
person holding cheeseburger quesadilla with pickles and burger sauce

Delicious Dipping Sauces

While the homemade burger sauce infused within the quesadillas is a star, having extra dipping sauces on the side can elevate the experience even further, allowing for customizable flavor with every bite. Here are some fantastic options:

  • Burger Sauce: Keep extra of our homemade burger sauce recipe on hand. Its sweet, tangy, and savory profile is the perfect match for these quesadillas, offering a familiar and beloved taste.
  • Queso Cheese Dip: For the ultimate cheese lovers, a warm, creamy queso dip adds an extra layer of indulgence. Its rich, spicy, and cheesy flavor perfectly complements the beef and tortillas.
  • Ranch Dressing: A popular choice for dipping almost anything, ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy, and herbaceous counterpoint to the savory quesadillas. Its tanginess is a refreshing addition.
  • Honey Mustard: The sweet and savory balance of honey mustard dressing makes it a delightful dipping sauce. It provides a unique flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the cheeseburger elements.
  • Buffalo Sauce: If you enjoy a kick, a side of buffalo sauce can add a zesty, spicy dimension to your quesadillas. It’s a bold flavor that complements the richness of the beef and cheese.

Experiment with these options to find your perfect dipping companion!

Storing Leftovers for Freshness

Having leftover cheeseburger quesadillas is a convenient bonus, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week. Proper storage is key to maintaining their flavor and quality. Once your quesadillas have cooled completely to room temperature, follow these steps:

  1. Individual Wrapping: To prevent them from sticking together and to seal in freshness, wrap each quesadilla individually. Plastic wrap or aluminum foil works perfectly for this.
  2. Airtight Container: After wrapping, place the individually wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a large resealable plastic bag. This creates a double layer of protection against air exposure, which can lead to staleness.
  3. Refrigeration: Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. When properly stored, your cheeseburger quesadillas can last for up to 3-4 days. This makes them an excellent meal prep option.

Always ensure the quesadillas are fully cooled before wrapping and refrigerating. Storing warm food can create condensation, leading to sogginess and a faster decline in freshness.

Reheating for Best Results

Reheating leftovers can sometimes be tricky, but with these methods, you can bring your cheeseburger quesadillas back to their crispy, gooey glory. The goal is to reheat thoroughly while preserving that desirable texture.

  • Oven or Air Fryer (Recommended for Crispness): This is the best method to restore the quesadillas’ original crispiness. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas directly on a baking sheet (for the oven) or in the air fryer basket. Heat for 8-12 minutes in the oven, or 5-8 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and the tortillas are crispy again.
  • Skillet (Excellent for Crispness): Reheating in a skillet is another fantastic way to get a crispy exterior. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. If not using a non-stick pan, add a tiny bit of oil or butter. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted and warm.
  • Microwave (Quick but Less Crispy): For the quickest option, you can microwave unwrapped quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be aware that this method will soften the tortillas, and the quesadilla will not be crisp. It’s a good choice if you’re in a hurry and prioritize speed over texture.

No matter the method, ensure the quesadillas are heated through to a safe internal temperature.

Air Frying Your Quesadillas

While making these cheeseburger quesadillas fresh on the stovetop is incredibly efficient, especially since you’re already cooking the ground beef in a skillet, the air fryer offers a fantastic alternative for achieving superior crispness during the final cooking stage, or for reheating. It’s an excellent tool if you prefer not to use a lot of oil or if you’re looking for an even crispier result.

You can use the stove to cook the ground beef as instructed, then assemble your quesadilla. From there, instead of frying it in a pan, you can transfer it to the air fryer. If you elect this method:

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Quesadilla: Assemble your quesadilla with the cooked beef, cheese, pickles, and burger sauce.
  3. Air Fry: Carefully place the assembled quesadilla (or quesadillas, if your basket allows for more than one without overcrowding) into the air fryer basket.
  4. Cook Time: Air fry for 5-8 minutes. Halfway through, flip the quesadilla to ensure even browning and crispness on both sides. Cook until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.

The air fryer circulates hot air, which helps to crisp up the tortillas exceptionally well, often with less oil than traditional pan-frying. It’s a great option for fresh cooking or for reheating leftovers to their former crispy glory.

cheeseburger quesadilla with pickles and burger sauce on a wooden cutting board

Freezing for Future Meals

These cheeseburger quesadillas are excellent for meal prepping and can be easily frozen for convenient future meals. Having a batch in the freezer means a quick, satisfying dinner or lunch is always just a reheat away. Follow these steps for best freezing results:

  1. Cool Completely: Before freezing, ensure your cooked quesadillas have cooled completely to room temperature. Freezing warm food can lead to ice crystals and affect texture.
  2. Flash Freeze (Optional but Recommended): For best results and to prevent quesadillas from sticking together, you can “flash freeze” them. Place the cooled quesadillas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the quesadillas are firm.
  3. Wrap Individually: Once firm (or cooled if skipping flash freezing), wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This dual wrapping protects against freezer burn and helps maintain flavor and texture.
  4. Airtight Container or Bag: Place the wrapped quesadillas in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag.
  5. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the contents and the date.
  6. Storage Time: Properly stored, cheeseburger quesadillas can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  7. Defrosting & Reheating: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen quesadillas to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Once defrosted, reheat using your preferred method (oven, air fryer, or skillet) for the crispiest results. You can also reheat from frozen in an oven or air fryer, though cooking time will be longer (around 15-20 minutes at 350°F/175°C).

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Quesadillas

While cheeseburger quesadillas are hearty and satisfying on their own, pairing them with a delicious side dish can complete the meal and add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Here are some fantastic recipes that complement the savory goodness of these quesadillas:

  • Cajun Fries: The spicy kick and crispy texture of Cajun fries are an ideal companion, mirroring the fun, casual vibe of a cheeseburger meal.
  • Ranch Roasted Potatoes: These flavorful, tender potatoes with a savory ranch seasoning offer a comforting and robust side that pairs beautifully with the quesadillas.
  • Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing: A light, refreshing pasta salad provides a welcome contrast to the rich quesadillas. The tanginess of the Italian dressing brightens the palate.
  • Southern Macaroni Salad: Creamy, sweet, and tangy, Southern macaroni salad is a classic BBQ side that complements the savory beef filling perfectly, adding a touch of nostalgic comfort.
  • Fried Sweet Potatoes: For a slightly sweeter and caramelized side, fried sweet potatoes offer a delicious alternative to regular fries, adding a unique flavor dimension.

More Irresistible Recipes

If you loved these cheeseburger quesadillas and are looking for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes, especially those featuring ground beef, check out some of our other popular creations. These dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and expand your meal rotation:

  • Ground Beef Lo Mein: A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired noodle dish, perfect for a fast weeknight meal that’s much better than takeout.
  • Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo: A creamy, rich, and comforting pasta dish combining savory ground beef with a luscious Alfredo sauce for a truly satisfying experience.
  • Mexican Beef and Rice: A vibrant and zesty one-pan meal, packed with seasoned beef, rice, and Mexican-inspired flavors, ideal for a hearty family dinner.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: All the hearty, comforting flavors of a bacon cheeseburger transformed into a warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying soup.
  • Dirty Rice with Ground Beef: A classic Southern dish bursting with bold Cajun spices, tender ground beef, and flavorful rice for a soul-satisfying meal.
cheeseburger quesadilla with pickles and burger sauce on a wooden cutting board

Cheeseburger Quesadillas with Burger Sauce

By Brandi Crawford

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious cheeseburger quesadillas, generously drizzled with a mouthwatering homemade burger sauce. Crispy tortillas are filled with juicy, perfectly seasoned beef, a blend of melted cheeses, and a sweet, tangy, savory sauce that unites all the incredible flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite for simple, yet satisfying dinners and lunches.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 1 voter.

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Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Course
dinner, lunch
Cuisine
American

Servings

4
servings
Calories

587
kcal

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Ingredients

  • 1
    pound
    ground beef or turkey
  • 1
    teaspoon

    Worcestershire sauce
  • 1
    teaspoon

    smoked paprika
  • ½
    teaspoon

    onion powder
  • ½
    teaspoon

    garlic powder
  • 2
    teaspoons

    dried minced onions
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1
    teaspoon
    olive oil or butter
    You may need oil or butter for each quesadilla you prepare depending on the type of pan you use.
  • 8
    8-inch
    tortillas
  • grated cheese
    I used ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella.

  • diced pickles

    I used ¼ cup

Homemade Burger Sauce (Optional)

Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth.

  • ½
    cup

    mayo
  • 2-3
    tablespoons

    ketchup

    I used 2 tablespoons.
  • 1-2
    tablespoons

    pickle relish

    I used 2 tablespoons.
  • 1-2
    teaspoons

    sweetener or sugar
  • ½
    teaspoon

    paprika

    I used regular paprika, not smoked.
  • ½
    teaspoon

    onion powder
  • ½
    teaspoon

    vinegar
  • ¼
    teaspoon

    mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a meat chopper to break down the ground beef and cook for several minutes until the meat is no longer pink.

  2. Drain the excess fat from the beef and season with Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried minced onions, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Remove from heat (I use a slotted spoon to drain the juices) and set aside. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. This will prevent the quesadilla from becoming soggy.

Assemble the Quesadillas

  1. Spread a generous amount of burger sauce over each tortilla. If you don’t opt to use the burger sauce, I recommend using some sort of condiment to assist with adhesion of the two tortillas.

  2. Divide the cooked beef, pickles, and grated cheese evenly among the tortillas.

  3. Top each with another tortilla to form a quesadilla.

Cook the quesadillas:

  1. I use the same pan from the beef and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet at medium-high heat. Add a quesadilla to the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary.

  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
  3. Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.

Notes

1 tablespoon of burger sauce has 54 calories.

Be sure to drain the juices from the meat and pat it dry before adding them to the tortilla. If you don’t, the juices will penetrate the tortilla and cause it to be soggy.

Worcestershire sauce is used in burger and beef recipes because it helps tenderize the meat while also adding a sweet and savory flavor that compliments the beef well. You can omit it or substitute using soy sauce.

The best pan to use is a cast iron skillet, I use this 10.5 inch that can be found here. Cast iron skillets are excellent because they distribute heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly crispy tortilla. They also retain heat well, which helps in achieving a nice, golden-brown finish on your quesadillas.

Non-stick skillets are also a good option for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate the quesadilla without overcrowding, allowing you to flip it easily. I find non-stick skillets don’t provide as much crunch.

Nutrition


Serving:
1
quesadilla


Calories:
587
kcal


Carbohydrates:
55
g


Protein:
37
g


Fat:
26
g





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Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.





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