Description
A comforting blend of crispy smashed burger flavor and melty cheese in a warm quesadilla.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for smashing)
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: sliced pickles or pickled jalapeños, for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and break it into small pieces.
- Add the beef to the hot pan and press down to make thin patties or “smash” portions so they get crispy edges. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter one side of a tortilla. Place the tortilla butter-side-down in the skillet.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese, add a few pieces of smashed beef, some sautéed onion and pepper, and more cheese on top. Place a second tortilla on top and press gently.
- Cook until the bottom is golden, about 2–3 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side until crisp and the cheese is melted. Repeat to make additional quesadillas.
- Let rest 1 minute, then slice into wedges and serve with pickles or a smoky dipping sauce.
Notes
Use a hot pan for crispy edges on the beef. Don’t overload the quesadilla for easier flipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American