Imagine the savory satisfaction of a juicy cheeseburger wrapped in the crispy, cheesy embrace of a quesadilla. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheeseburger Quesadilla – a fun fusion dish that brings together two beloved comfort foods in one irresistible package.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this recipe transforms classic burger ingredients into a handheld meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and signature burger toppings create a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
- Kid-friendly meal that even picky eaters will devour
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and condiments
- Easier to eat than traditional burgers – less mess, all the flavor
- Great for using up leftover ground beef or burger ingredients
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
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated onion, ketchup, pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce can be made ahead of time for even better flavor development.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the meat. Remove from heat once fully incorporated.
- Lay the tortillas flat on your work surface. On one half of each tortilla, place 2 slices of cheese. Divide the seasoned beef mixture evenly among the four tortillas, placing it on top of the cheese. Sprinkle each with equal amounts of chopped onions and pickles. Top each with 2 more slices of cheese. Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Wipe out the skillet you used for the beef or use a clean griddle. Heat over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the quesadillas in the pan (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted.
- Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute. Cut each quesadilla into 2-3 triangular pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately with the prepared burger sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Add crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for a bacon cheeseburger quesadilla
- Try different cheese varieties like American, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey
- Add shredded lettuce after cooking for that classic burger crunch
- Make a “special sauce” by mixing equal parts ketchup, mayonnaise, and a dash of pickle relish
- Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days for even quicker assembly
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheeseburger quesadillas with classic burger sides like french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side salad. A small dish of extra burger sauce makes a perfect dipping option for those who want more flavor.
For a fun family dinner, set up a quesadilla bar with the cooked beef and various toppings so everyone can customize their own creation. Pair with pickles, coleslaw, or corn chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- For the crispiest results, cook quesadillas in a dry skillet or with just a light coating of butter or oil.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for the best texture.
How do I know when my quesadilla is done?
The quesadilla is done when the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted, usually about 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but uncooked quesadillas. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then wrap individually and store for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to cut quesadillas?
Let the quesadillas rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking, then use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into triangles for the cleanest cuts.
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
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated onion, ketchup, pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce can be made ahead of time for even better flavor development.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the meat. Remove from heat once fully incorporated.
- Lay the tortillas flat on your work surface. On one half of each tortilla, place 2 slices of cheese. Divide the seasoned beef mixture evenly among the four tortillas, placing it on top of the cheese. Sprinkle each with equal amounts of chopped onions and pickles. Top each with 2 more slices of cheese. Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Wipe out the skillet you used for the beef or use a clean griddle. Heat over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the quesadillas in the pan (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted.
- Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute. Cut each quesadilla into 2-3 triangular pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately with the prepared burger sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 650 kcal
