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Crispy Smash Burger Quesadilla Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onions

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A quick and satisfying quesadilla combining crispy smashed beef patties, melty cheese, and sweet caramelized onions between tortillas. Perfect for a late-night treat or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are deep golden brown and sweet. Add a splash of water if pan gets too dry.
  2. Season the beef: In a bowl, combine ground beef with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and garlic powder if using. Mix gently without overworking.
  3. Form and smash patties: Divide beef into four equal portions. Heat skillet over medium-high heat with remaining olive oil and butter. Place one portion in pan and press down firmly with spatula or burger press to about ¼-inch thickness. Hold for 20-30 seconds to form a crispy crust, then cook 1-2 minutes.
  4. Flip and cook: Flip patties and cook another 1-2 minutes until crispy and cooked through but still juicy. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining portions.
  5. Assemble quesadillas: Lower heat to medium. Place one tortilla in skillet, sprinkle about ⅓ cup shredded cheese evenly, add one smashed burger patty, spoonful of caramelized onions, more cheese on top, then cover with another tortilla.
  6. Cook quesadilla: Press down lightly with spatula and cook 3-4 minutes until bottom tortilla is golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook other side 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
  7. Serve: Remove from pan, let cool for a minute, then slice into wedges. Add optional pickles or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Use medium-high heat for smashing beef to get a crispy crust without burning. Cook onions low and slow for best caramelization. Butter the outside of tortillas for extra crispiness. Cook quesadillas one at a time to avoid sogginess. Let quesadilla rest a minute before slicing to set cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, quesadilla, caramelized onions, crispy, cheesy, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/crispy-smash-burger-quesadilla-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-onions/