This cheeseburger quesadilla is a fun twist on two favorites! It’s packed with juicy beef, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla that you’ll want to eat again and again.
The homemade sauce is super simple, just mix a few ingredients, and you’re ready to go! I love serving this quick meal with some salsa on the side for a little extra kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your quesadilla. If you’re looking for a leaner option or have dietary restrictions, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. The flavors will still be great!
Tortillas: Large flour tortillas work best for these quesadillas, but corn tortillas can be a delightful gluten-free alternative. Just note that they may be smaller, so adjust your filling accordingly.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for its meltiness and flavor, but feel free to mix things up. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice touch – the latter gives a bit of spice!
Pickles: Diced pickles add crunch and tang! If you don’t have pickles or prefer them, try jalapeños or sliced green olives for a different twist.
Homemade Sauce: This sauce is super easy! If you’re out of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt works great as a healthy substitute. You could also try BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get My Quesadillas Super Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy quesadilla is all about the cooking technique. Here are some tips:
- Heat the Pan: Start with a medium-low heat. This allows the tortilla to crisp without burning before the cheese melts.
- Don’t Overstuff: Less is more! Too much filling can make it hard for the outside to get nice and crispy.
- Use Enough Fat: Make sure to use enough oil or butter when cooking. This creates a delicious golden crust on the tortilla.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to gently flip the quesadilla. Let it cook until it’s golden on both sides.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy cheeseburger quesadillas every time!
Cheeseburger Quesadilla With Easy Homemade Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quesadillas:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack blend)
- ½ cup diced pickles
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
For the Easy Homemade Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheeseburger quesadilla recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and sauce, and about 20 minutes to cook and assemble the quesadillas. It’s a quick and satisfying dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until smooth and well-mixed. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge while you make the quesadillas.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, using a spatula to break it apart. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the meat. If you’re using chopped onions, toss them in, too! Cook the beef until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, drain off any extra fat from the skillet.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas:
Grab a clean surface and lay one tortilla flat. On one half of the tortilla, evenly sprinkle about a quarter of the shredded cheese. Add a quarter of the cooked beef and then some diced pickles on top. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle on more cheese (this helps hold everything together). Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
4. Cook the Quesadillas:
Add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the skillet and heat it over medium. Once it’s hot, carefully place the folded quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted inside. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
5. Serve:
Once all your quesadillas are cooked, take them out of the skillet and cut them into wedges. Serve them warm with your delicious homemade sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings or sauces to make it your own. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Cheeseburger Quesadilla With Easy Homemade Sauce
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger quesadilla!
What Can I Use Instead of Pickles?
If you’re not a fan of pickles, you can substitute them with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or use diced olives for a briny flavor. You could also skip them entirely if you prefer a straightforward cheeseburger taste.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The homemade sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftover Quesadillas?
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave, adding a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
