This cheeseburger quesadilla is a fun twist on two favorites! Packed with juicy beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite burger fixings, it’s sure to make everyone smile.
And that homemade sauce? So simple and tasty, you might want to put it on everything! I love to serve this with extra toppings on the side, so everyone can customize their bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! I usually go for lean ground beef to cut down on excess fat. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, try a meat substitute, like crumbled tempeh or black beans.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar provides a sharp flavor that pairs well with the beef. I enjoy mixing it with some American cheese for extra creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, dairy-free cheese alternatives work great too!
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are perfect for folding. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or corn tortillas are good substitutes. You can even try using large lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist!
Dill Pickles: Dill pickles add a nice crunch and tang. You can replace them with sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter taste. For a spicy kick, consider jalapeños or banana peppers.
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Grilled Quesadilla?
Cooking quesadillas can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll achieve that lovely golden brown crust and gooey filling every time!
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. If it’s too high, the tortilla will brown before the cheese melts.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding oil or butter. This helps in achieving crispy edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this allows for even cooking. Grill one or two quesadillas at a time.
- Flip carefully! Use a spatula and gently press down to help the filling stick together.
- Let them cool for a minute before cutting; this helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
With these insights, you’re ready to whip up delicious cheeseburger quesadillas that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Cheeseburger Quesadilla With Easy Homemade Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quesadilla:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar and American cheese blend)
- Dill pickle slices, about 1/3 cup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter, for cooking
For the Easy Homemade Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to make, including prep time and cooking. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the sauce and cooking the ground beef, followed by an additional 10 minutes assembling and cooking the quesadillas. Dinner time is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Set aside while you prepare the quesadillas.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas:
Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Start by sprinkling a generous layer of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Next, add a portion of the cooked ground beef and some dill pickle slices on top. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle another layer of cheese over the beef and pickles. Finally, fold the tortilla in half over the filling to encase everything.
4. Cook the Quesadillas:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Place one folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Gently flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts fully. Repeat the process for the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil or butter as needed.
5. Serve:
Once cooked, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve them warm with the homemade sauce on the side for dipping. Feel free to add extra pickles, lettuce, or tomatoes to your plate for a fun touch!
Enjoy this crunchy, cheesy, savory quesadilla that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one delicious handheld treat!
FAQ for Cheeseburger Quesadilla With Easy Homemade Sauce
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, seasoning it similarly to the ground beef for the best flavor.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken up a bit.
What Are Some Good Vegetarian Substitutes?
You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tempeh, black beans, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. Don’t hesitate to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture!
Can I Freeze Leftover Quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze leftover quesadillas! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
