Name: Cheeseburger Quesadilla-Easy Beef & Cheese Fiesta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons onion, grated; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 4 burrito-sized flour tortillas; 16 slices cheddar cheese, thinly sliced; ½ cup onion, finely chopped

Cheeseburger Quesadilla: Get ready to ignite your taste buds with a flavor explosion that’s as fun to make as it is to devour! We all love a good cheeseburger, and the comforting embrace of a cheesy quesadilla is simply irresistible. But what happens when these two titans of deliciousness collide? Pure culinary magic, that’s what. This Cheeseburger Quesadilla isn’t just a clever mashup; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that brings together the savory satisfaction of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings, all snuggled between perfectly grilled tortillas. It’s the ultimate weeknight meal that’s surprisingly quick, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Forget the usual burger routine and dive into something extraordinary!

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons onion, grated
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon pickle relish
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
¼ teaspoon paprika
4 burrito-sized flour tortillas
16 slices cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
½ cup onion, finely chopped

Cheeseburger Quesadilla Preparation

Forming the Burger Patty Mixture

The foundation of our delicious Cheeseburger Quesadilla lies in creating a flavorful burger mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 pound of lean ground beef. To this, add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. These basic seasonings are crucial for bringing out the natural savory flavor of the beef. Next, introduce ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This ingredient adds a layer of umami and complexity that is often associated with classic cheeseburgers. Now, it’s time to get our hands a little dirty. Gently mix all these ingredients into the ground beef until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to a tougher texture in the final quesadilla. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the meat too much. We want a tender result.

Crafting the “Secret Sauce”

Every great cheeseburger needs a fantastic sauce, and our quesadilla is no exception! In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise. This forms our creamy base. To this, add 2 tablespoons of grated onion. Grating the onion ensures it disperses evenly and provides a subtle onion flavor without overwhelming the sauce. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of ketchup for that classic tangy sweetness. Then, add 1 tablespoon of pickle relish. The relish provides a delightful briny and slightly sweet counterpoint. Following that, incorporate 2 teaspoons of yellow mustard for a zesty kick. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to brighten the flavors and a ¼ teaspoon of paprika for a hint of smoky color and warmth. Mix this sauce thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, cohesive spread. This sauce will be our delicious secret weapon. Set this aside.

Cooking the Burger Meat

Now, let’s cook our seasoned ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned ground beef mixture. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. As the beef cooks, drain off any excess grease to prevent the quesadillas from becoming too oily. Once the beef is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. You’ll want to ensure the meat is crumbled into small, bite-sized pieces, which will distribute evenly within the quesadilla.

Assembling the Cheeseburger Quesadillas

It’s time to bring all our components together! Lay out your 4 burrito-sized flour tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread a generous amount of your prepared “secret sauce” evenly over one half of each tortilla. Make sure to go almost to the edges, leaving a small border. This ensures that every bite will have that delicious sauce. Next, spoon a portion of the cooked burger meat mixture over the sauced half of each tortilla. Distribute the meat as evenly as possible so that each quesadilla has a good amount of burger. Then, layer 4 slices of cheddar cheese on top of the burger meat on each tortilla. The cheese is key to holding everything together and providing that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love. Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped ½ cup of onion over the cheese. This raw onion will add a nice fresh crunch and pungent bite that complements the cooked elements.

Folding and Grilling the Quesadillas

Carefully fold the other half of each tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press down gently to seal the edges. Now, we’re ready to grill! Wipe out the skillet you used for the beef or use a clean one. Heat it over medium heat. If your skillet isn’t non-stick, you might want to add a tiny bit of oil or butter. Place 1 or 2 assembled quesadillas in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey. You’ll see the cheese starting to ooze out the sides, which is a good sign! Once each side is perfectly grilled, carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Repeat this process with any remaining quesadillas. For best results, serve immediately while they are hot and the cheese is wonderfully melted. You can slice them into wedges for easier eating.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and surprisingly easy way to enjoy all the incredible flavors of a Cheeseburger Quesadilla right in your own kitchen! We’ve walked through simple steps to transform common ingredients into a delightful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun weekend lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The beauty of this Cheeseburger Quesadilla lies in its versatility. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite burger toppings – pickles, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of your go-to spice blend can elevate this dish even further. Serve it up with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like a creamy ranch or a zesty ketchup, alongside some crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying experience. I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this fantastic meal as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheeseburger Quesadilla ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the filling ingredients (cooked ground beef, onions, and seasonings) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for the best texture.

What are some good dipping sauce options for Cheeseburger Quesadillas?

Classic ketchup and mustard are always winners! For something a bit more special, consider a homemade burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish, a touch of vinegar), a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a cool avocado crema.