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Crispy Smash Burger Taco Quesadilla

crispy smash burger taco quesadilla - featured image

A quick and easy recipe combining juicy smashed beef, melted cheese, and smoky chipotle crema folded into a crispy taco-style quesadilla.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 large (8-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) softened butter
  • For the chipotle crema:
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle crema: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, finely chopped chipotle in adobo, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside in the fridge to let flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
  2. Form and season the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll each loosely into a ball and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat skillet and smash the patties: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of oil if needed. Place one beef ball in the skillet, then immediately press down firmly with your spatula to flatten into a thin patty about 1/4-inch thick. Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy and brown edges form.
  4. Flip and add cheese: Flip the patty carefully, then immediately sprinkle a quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining beef balls.
  5. Assemble the quesadillas: Butter one side of each tortilla lightly. Place one tortilla butter-side-down in the skillet over medium heat. Layer half of the cooked patties, diced onion, and pickled jalapeños evenly over the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently with the spatula.
  6. Cook until golden and crispy: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling. Remove to a cutting board and let rest for a minute before slicing into wedges.
  7. Serve with chipotle crema: Drizzle the chipotle crema over the quesadilla wedges or serve on the side for dipping.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking patties to ensure a perfect crust. Use medium heat to avoid burning tortillas and cheese. Let quesadillas rest for a minute before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing. For dairy-free crema, substitute sour cream with coconut or cashew-based yogurt and adjust lime juice to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, quesadilla, chipotle crema, crispy, easy recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, taco quesadilla