Name: Cheeseburger Quesadillas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons minced dill pickles; 1 tablespoon minced white onion; 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 1 lb ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste; Ketchup, to taste (approximately 1/4 cup); Mustard, to taste (approximately 2 tablespoons); 4 large tortillas (Mission gluten free tortillas recommended); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped onions (optional); Chopped pickles (optional); Chopped cooked bacon (optional); Nonstick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

If you have a love for all things cheeseburger but crave a fun, easy twist, this Cheeseburger Quesadillas Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine the juicy, seasoned ground beef mingling with melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped in crispy tortillas and paired with a tangy special sauce that brings all the classic burger flavors together in vibrant harmony. This recipe is not only quick and straightforward but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming familiar ingredients into an exciting handheld meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any casual get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled mostly with cooked ground beef that looks crumbly and brown. On top of the beef, there are two separate small dollops of sauce: one is bright red ketchup and the other is yellow mustard. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. The image is clear and simple, showing only these three main items in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, reliable ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component contributes something special, from the savory beef to the sharp cheddar cheese, enhancing the flavor, texture, and color, resulting in quesadillas that truly satisfy.

Ground beef: The hearty base of this dish, providing rich, meaty flavor once browned and well-seasoned.
Ketchup: Adds the sweet tang that balances the savory meat perfectly.
Mustard: Brings a little zip and acidity that cuts through richness.
Large tortillas: Use Mission gluten free tortillas if preferred; they hold the filling wonderfully while crisping up nicely.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the ingredients and add that irresistible cheeseburger taste.
Chopped onions, pickles, and bacon: Classic cheeseburger toppings that add crunch, brightness, and savoriness.
Mayonnaise: Anchors the special sauce with creamy indulgence.
Minced dill pickles: Bring sharpness and texture to the sauce.
Minced white onion: Adds a subtle bite to the special sauce.
White vinegar: Gives the special sauce a pleasant tang that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Cheeseburger Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce

The magic starts with the special sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, minced dill pickles, minced white onion, and white vinegar. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This sauce can be made well in advance to allow the flavors to meld – it really lifts the whole dish with its bright, tangy character.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until nicely browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy. The beef forms the hearty core of the quesadilla, so take your time here to get a good sear.

Step 3: Mix the Beef with Ketchup and Mustard

Transfer your cooked ground beef to a mixing bowl and stir in ketchup and mustard to your preferred ratio; I like two parts ketchup to one part mustard. You want this mixture a bit on the saucy side, not dry, so every bite is flavorful and juicy.

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

Heat a large skillet or electric griddle on medium and spray with nonstick spray. Place one tortilla on the surface, then sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheddar cheese over it. Add the saucy ground beef mixture next, followed by your favorite toppings such as chopped onions, pickles, and bacon. Finish with another thin layer of cheddar cheese before topping it off with a second tortilla.

Step 5: Cook and Flip

Allow the bottom tortilla to brown and crisp, then carefully flip the quesadilla to brown the other side. This step creates a perfect golden crust, securely holding all of your delicious fillings inside. Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a cooling rack for about 5 minutes; this helps the cheese set slightly, making slicing much easier.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Finally, cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve it up with that bright, tangy special sauce you prepared earlier. Each bite brings the joys of a cheeseburger without any of the fuss!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Quesadillas Recipe

The image shows two pieces of quesadilla placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. Each quesadilla has two golden-brown, crispy layers of flat tortilla with a visible inner filling of light brown cooked ground meat mixed with small yellow and green vegetable pieces, probably corn and squash, giving it a colorful look. The top tortilla has a slightly uneven, toasted texture with some darker brown spots. In the blurry background, there is a yellow bowl with some green leafy salad and red pieces inside, adding a hint of color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can really elevate your presentation and flavor experience. Sprinkle a few fresh chives or chopped green onions on top to add a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side can also complement the rich cheeseburger flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These quesadillas pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy potato wedges, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The sides should balance the richness and keep the meal refreshing and satisfying from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a couple of smaller-sized quesadillas as a layered appetizer for parties, or cut the wedges into bite-sized pieces for a fun finger food. Wrapping them individually with parchment makes for easy packed lunches or picnic snacks where the cheeseburger spirit can travel anywhere!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and make an easy reheat when you crave that cheeseburger quesadilla goodness again.

Freezing

Cheeseburger quesadillas also freeze well. Wrap each piece individually with foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, giving you a quick meal option anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat to warm the quesadillas gently, preserving their crispiness without drying out the filling. Alternatively, the oven works great at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect golden crust intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While shredded cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, feel free to try pepper jack for a bit of spice or a mild mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Just make sure whichever cheese you choose melts well for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and season them well. The special sauce and toppings will still deliver that familiar, delightful cheeseburger flavor.

Is it necessary to use the special sauce?

While not mandatory, the special sauce brings that authentic cheeseburger tang and creaminess that really ties the entire quesadilla together. You can skip it if you prefer, but it truly enhances the overall flavor experience.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Using large, sturdy tortillas and ensuring the beef mixture isn’t overly wet are key. Also, crisping the quesadillas over medium heat helps evaporate extra moisture and keeps the exterior perfectly crunchy.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This Cheeseburger Quesadillas Recipe scales up beautifully. Just prepare the ingredients in larger batches and cook the quesadillas in batches. They’re perfect for entertaining or casual family meals.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Quesadillas Recipe brings together all the best parts of a cheeseburger in a fun, handheld format that’s so simple to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something different, this dish is bound to become a beloved staple. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, whip up that special sauce, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!