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Smashburger Quesadillas - Quick Ground Beef Recipes

Let’s be honest, some nights call for food that makes zero sense on paper but all the sense in your stomach. That’s where these Smashburger Quesadillas come in. They’re the rebellious cousin of tacos and burgers, and trust me, they’ll win every family reunion taste test. Juicy ground beef pressed thin until the edges crisp up, gooey cheese that practically glues everything together, and tortillas that know exactly how to hold the party without falling apart halfway through the meal. I’ve made these on nights when cooking feels like a chore and, honestly, they rescue me every time. It’s comfort food but with a playful twist, a recipe ground beef lovers can rally behind. You don’t need a fancy list of ingredients—just the kind of basics you probably already shoved into the back of your fridge. The best part? These taste like diner food without the diner wait, which is a win in my book. And before you ask, yes, this ground beef recipe is healthy-ish if you don’t count the cheese (but let’s be real, who’s skipping the cheese?). It’s a weeknight savior, the kind of easy ground beef recipe that works whether you’re craving something cheesy, thinking about keto ground beef recipes, or secretly wishing this was one of those cozy ground beef soup recipes. Either way, it’s fast, fun, and unapologetically messy in the best way possible.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy ground beef recipes, ground beef recipe healthy, ground beef recipes, ground beef soup recipes, keto ground beef recipes, quick ground beef recipes, recipe ground beef
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • Pickles, sliced (optional, for serving)
  • Burger sauce or ketchup (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
  2. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half the cheese over half of it.
  3. On the other half of the tortilla, press one portion of beef flat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Let the beef cook until browned and crispy at the edges. Flip the empty half of the tortilla over the beef to form a quesadilla.
  5. Cook until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and beef.
  6. Slice into wedges and serve hot with pickles and dipping sauce.