Smashburger Quesadillas Cheddar Cheese (Print-Friendly Version)

Ground beef, cheddar, and crisp tortillas combine for a cheesy, satisfying meal with classic burger toppings.

# Ingredients List:

→ Beef

01 - 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)

→ Seasonings

02 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
03 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Tortillas and Cheese

05 - 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size, approximately 30 cm diameter)
06 - 100 grams shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese (about 25 grams per quesadilla)

→ Suggested Toppings (Optional)

07 - Pickles, sliced
08 - Diced onions
09 - Burger sauce
10 - Ketchup
11 - Mustard

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium-high for 2–3 minutes until thoroughly hot. Reduce to medium if your pan retains high heat.
02 - Combine the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Divide ground beef into four 110-gram portions. Working one at a time, press a portion of beef thinly and evenly onto one half of a tortilla, leaving a 1.5 cm border. Evenly distribute a quarter of the seasoning mix over the beef.
03 - Carefully transfer the tortilla, beef side down, onto the hot skillet. Firmly press with a spatula for 10–15 seconds to form a crisp sear. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the edges turn deeply golden and crisp.
04 - Flip the tortilla so the beef side faces up. Immediately scatter 25 grams of shredded cheese evenly over the hot beef. Fold the tortilla to create a half-moon shape and gently press down with the spatula.
05 - Continue cooking 1–2 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is entirely melted.
06 - Remove the quesadilla to a cutting board and allow to rest for 30 seconds for the cheese to set slightly. Slice into wedges and serve hot.
07 - Repeat the procedure with the remaining tortillas and beef portions.
08 - Garnish with pickles, diced onions, and sauce to taste, if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For optimal crust development, avoid moving the beef during initial cooking. Ensure your skillet is preheated for proper searing.
02 - For best crispiness, make each quesadilla individually. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to three days and reheated in the skillet.