Cheeseburger Quesadillas

There’s something so comforting about a plate of Cheeseburger Quesadillas. It was a chilly evening when I first decided to whip these up. I had some ground beef in the fridge and wanted to create something quick yet satisfying. The idea of combining everything I love about a cheeseburger into a crispy quesadilla was too tempting to resist. With each bite, I felt a wave of nostalgia, like I was back at a summer barbecue. The melting cheddar cheese, the crunch of pickles, and the savory beef all wrapped in a warm tortilla created a flavor explosion that made my heart sing. This dish has become a family favorite, and I can’t wait to share the joy it brings!

Main Ingredients for Cheeseburger Quesadillas

The ingredients for Cheeseburger Quesadillas come together beautifully to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that classic cheeseburger taste. The ground beef serves as the hearty base, while the cheddar cheese provides that creamy, melty goodness we all crave. The pickles and mustard add the perfect balance of tanginess, making every bite irresistible.

• Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup – Adds creaminess to the special sauce.
• Ketchup: 1/3 cup – Brings sweetness and tang to the sauce.
• Pickle Juice: 2 tablespoons – Enhances flavor with a zesty kick.
• Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon – Provides a classic mustard taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and umami flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound – The main protein that gives these quesadillas their meaty richness.
• Flour Tortillas: 4 (8-inch) – The base for holding everything together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups – Melts beautifully for that gooey texture.
• Dill Pickle Chips: 24 (optional) – For those who love a bit of crunch and a tangy bite.
• Iceberg Lettuce: 1 head, cored and cut into wedges – A fresh garnish for the side salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 8, quartered – Adds color and sweetness to salads.
• Shallot: 1, finely chopped – Offers a mild onion flavor to salads.

Cooking Method for Cheeseburger Quesadillas

Cooking Cheeseburger Quesadillas is a breeze and comes together in just a few steps. You’ll start by making a flavorful special sauce, then move on to cooking the beef and assembling your quesadillas. The result is a meal that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

1. To make the special sauce, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste (I like ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Set aside. This sauce is your secret weapon, bringing all the flavors together.
2. To make the quesadillas, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well to get rid of any excess fat, which will help keep your quesadillas from becoming greasy.
3. Wipe out the skillet, coat with nonstick spray, and heat over medium heat. Working with 1 flour tortilla at a time, add it to the skillet. Top half the quesadilla with ½ cup cheddar cheese and ¼ of the cooked beef. If you’re a pickle lover, add some dill pickle chips on top.
4. Sprinkle the top half of the tortilla with another ½ cup cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown on one side, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Flip the quesadilla and continue cooking until all the cheese is melted and the second side is golden brown as well. This process creates that crispy exterior that’s so satisfying. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, beef, and pickles. Once all are cooked, cut each quesadilla in half and stack 2 halves on each of the 4 plates.
7. To make the wedge salads, add one wedge of Iceberg lettuce to each plate and top with shallots and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the quesadillas and salad with the special sauce. Serve more sauce on the side if desired for an extra kick.

Customization Ideas

There are so many ways to customize your Cheeseburger Quesadillas. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:

• Add Veggies: You can toss in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice Them Up: If you like heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking.
• Cheese Varieties: Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Wrap Options: Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option or corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative.
• Serve with Dips: Pair with guacamole or salsa for an extra layer of flavor.
• Wedge Salad Variations: Swap out Iceberg lettuce with spinach or arugula for a more sophisticated salad.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked quesadillas and cook them straight from the freezer for a quick meal later.

How to Enjoy Cheeseburger Quesadillas

• Perfect Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy Cheeseburger Quesadillas for lunch or dinner. They’re filling and satisfying.
• Great for Parties: Serve them as appetizers at parties. Cut them into smaller pieces for easy sharing.
• Pair with Sides: Consider pairing them with a side of chips and salsa or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Kids’ Favorite: They make an excellent choice for kids—fun to eat and packed with flavors they love.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Leftovers: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven for best results.
• Garnish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional pickles can elevate the presentation and flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cheeseburger Quesadillas are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing the best flavors of a cheeseburger into a crispy tortilla. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. I encourage you to try making these quesadillas, and I promise they will quickly become a staple in your home. Enjoy the savory goodness and the smiles they bring to your loved ones!

Cheeseburger Quesadillas

The ultimate comfort food, Cheeseburger Quesadillas wrap all your favorite cheeseburger flavors in a crispy tortilla. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s cheesy, meaty, and full of flavor! You’ll want to make this again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 590

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Pickle Juice
• 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• to taste Salt
• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 4 (8-inch) Flour Tortillas
• 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 24 optional Dill Pickle Chips
• 1 head Iceberg Lettuce
• 8 Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 Shallot

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. To make the special sauce, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
2. To make the quesadillas, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
3. Wipe out the skillet, coat with nonstick spray, and heat over medium heat. Working with 1 flour tortilla at a time, add to skillet. Top half the quesadilla with ½ cup cheddar cheese, and ¼ of the cooked beef. Top with dill pickle chips, if using.
4. Sprinkle the top half of the tortilla with another ½ cup cheddar cheese. Fold in half and cook until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes.
5. Flip the quesadilla and continue cooking until all the cheese is melted and the second side is golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, beef, and pickles. Cut each quesadilla in half and stack 2 halves on each of the 4 plates.
7. To make the wedge salads, add one wedge of Iceberg lettuce to each plate and top with shallots and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the quesadillas and salad with sauce. Serve more sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

• Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef rather than a leaner variety for more flavor.
• Pickle Chips: These are optional, so feel free to omit if you’re not a pickle fan.
• Iceberg Lettuce: Another mild leafy green such as romaine would also work well.
• Yield: This recipe makes 4 burger-stuffed quesadillas and 4 wedge salads.
• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make Ahead: The special sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Double Up: Make a double batch of special sauce to use as a condiment for other meals.

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Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.