Easy Cheeseburger Quesadilla Recipe

A cheeseburger quesadilla is the perfect fusion of two beloved classics—the hearty, savoury cheeseburger and the crispy, melty quesadilla. This delectable dish features a flour tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, fresh tomatoes, and onions, all pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a flavorful fry sauce, it offers a fun, mouthwatering twist on the traditional cheeseburger. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a game-day snack, this cheeseburger quesadilla recipe is sure to satisfy.

With its bold flavors and crunchy exterior, the cheeseburger quesadillas is as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger with a unique and crispy texture.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Quesadilla Recipe

• Classic Cheeseburger Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of a cheeseburger, combining seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, zesty onions, and rich cheddar cheese.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal solution for busy evenings.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding your favourite toppings or seasonings, such as jalapeños or bacon.

Cheeseburger Quesadilla Ingredients

Craving something bold and delicious? This Quesadilla Ingredients recipe combines ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, delivering a cheeseburger-inspired twist that will ignite your taste buds instantly!

For the Quesadillas

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 4 large tortillas (Mission gluten-free tortillas work well)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Toppings

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips, chopped
• Optional: cooked bacon strips, sliced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices

For the Special Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp minced dill pickles
• 1 tbsp minced white onion
• 1 tsp white vinegar

Special Sauce Directions

1. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, minced dill pickles, minced onion, and white vinegar in a bowl.
2. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The sauce can be made up to 2 or 3 days in advance.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a richer flavour. Be sure to drain excess fat after browning to prevent greasy quesadillas.
• Pickles: Dill pickle chips add a tangy crunch. Claussen Kosher Dill Pickle Chips are particularly flavorful.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Cheeseburger Quesadilla Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain the fat and stir in ketchup and mustard. Aim for a saucy consistency, using a 2:1 ratio of ketchup to mustard. Adjust to taste.
2. Heat the Skillet: Spray a flat griddle or large skillet with nonstick spray and heat over medium.
3. Assemble the Quesadilla: Place a tortilla on the hot skillet. Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheddar cheese over one-half of the tortilla. Add a layer of the ground beef mixture, followed by your desired toppings (onions, pickles, bacon, etc.). Top with another thin layer of cheese.
4. Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half, pressing lightly. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until it’s equally browned and crispy.
5. Cool and Slice: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it cool for 5 minutes. Slice into wedges using a pizza cutter.
6. Serve: Serve warm with the special sauce on the side.

Variations on the Classic Cheeseburger Quesadilla Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Quesadilla Twist

Add cooked, crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavour.

Vegetarian Cheeseburger Quesadilla Alternative

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and black beans.

Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Quesadilla Version

Incorporate sliced jalapeños into the filling for a spicy kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Yield: This recipe makes 4 quesadillas, each serving 1-2 people.
• Make Ahead: The special sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Double the Sauce: Consider making a double batch of the special sauce. It pairs well with other dishes, such as sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Quesadillas

• French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic side that complements the cheeseburger flavour perfectly.
• Onion Rings: Golden, crunchy onion rings add another layer of indulgence.
• Wedge Salad: A refreshing wedge salad with blue cheese dressing balances the richness of the quesadilla.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the warm, savoury quesadilla.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn pairs beautifully with the savoury filling.

FAQs

What goes well inside a quesadilla?

A cheeseburger quesadillas pairs beautifully with a range of ingredients. Try sautéed onions, jalapeños, or smoky bacon for added depth. Fresh tomatoes, avocado slices, or a drizzle of tangy sauce elevate its flavour profile to perfection.

What is the best melting cheese for quesadillas?

For a mouthwatering cheeseburger quesadilla, opt for Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese. These varieties melt effortlessly, creating a luscious, gooey filling that perfectly complements the savoury beef and crisp tortilla.

Should a quesadilla be crunchy or soft?

It depends on preference. This recipe aims for a crispy exterior with a gooey, flavorful interior.

Do you fry quesadillas in butter or oil?

For the perfect quesadilla, frying in butter imparts a rich, golden crust, while oil ensures an even crisp. Choose butter for indulgence, oil for lightness—each method delivers deliciously satisfying results.

Why aren’t my quesadillas crispy?

Ensure your skillet is hot enough before cooking, and avoid overfilling, which can lead to sogginess.

Is it safe to cook ground beef on a tortilla?

Yes, it’s safe to cook ground beef on a tortilla, provided the beef is fully cooked beforehand. Tortillas act as a delicious, crispy base while allowing the meat’s flavours to shine through.

Related Recipes

• Beef Chuck Eye Steak
• Chipotle Steak
• Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs

Conclusion

This cheeseburger quesadilla recipe is a quick, satisfying meal that delivers all the flavours of a cheeseburger in a fun, crispy package. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your favourite ingredients—the possibilities are endless!