Cheesy Smashburger Quesadillas (Printable Version)

Crispy tortillas filled with smoky smashburger patties, melted cheddar, and spicy jalapeños for a bold, satisfying meal.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Meat and seasoning

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Cooking fats

08 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
09 - 1 tablespoon butter

→ Cheese and tortillas

10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 4 large flour tortillas

→ Vegetables and toppings

12 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
13 - 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)

→ Serving accompaniments

14 - Salsa
15 - Sour cream
16 - Guacamole

# Steps to Cook:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined.
02 - Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a thin patty.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and press down firmly with a spatula to maximize contact. Cook until crispy on one side for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until desired doneness.
04 - Remove patties from skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
05 - Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Add butter to coat the bottom.
06 - Place one flour tortilla in the skillet, top evenly with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, one cooked patty, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, and another 1/4 cup shredded cheddar.
07 - Fold the tortilla over the fillings, pressing gently to seal the edges.
08 - Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and cheese has melted.
09 - Repeat the assembly and cooking process with remaining tortillas and ingredients. Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Fresh jalapeños add more heat, while pickled jalapeños provide a tangy contrast.
02 - Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for varied flavor.
03 - Briefly warming tortillas before assembly helps prevent cracking when folding.
04 - For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
05 - Pairs well with iced tea or a light beer for a refreshing complement.

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