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A fun, cheesy party snack that combines the juicy flavor of a smash burger with the convenience of a quesadilla. Ground beef is seasoned and spread on a flour tortilla, topped with melty American cheese and onions, then cooked on a hot griddle until golden and crispy. Serve with the tangy burger sauce for extra flavor.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Smash burger quesadillas are a modern fusion dish that blends the classic American smash‑burger technique—pressing a thin patty on a hot griddle—with the beloved Mexican‑inspired quesadilla format. It reflects the cross‑cultural creativity of American home cooking, especially in casual party settings.
In the Southwest, cooks often add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a chipotle mayo. In the Midwest, you’ll find variations with cheddar and caramelized onions. Some East‑coast versions swap American cheese for provolone and include pickles for extra tang.
A classic smash burger is served on a soft bun with American cheese, pickles, onions, and a simple sauce of mayo, ketchup, and mustard. The quesadilla version keeps those same toppings but folds them inside a toasted flour tortilla for a handheld, snack‑friendly format.
They are popular at casual get‑togethers, game‑day parties, tailgates, and backyard barbecues because they are easy to make in batches, handheld, and satisfy both burger and Mexican‑style snack cravings.
The dish uniquely combines the juicy, caramelized flavor of a smash‑cooked beef patty with the melty, crispy texture of a cheese‑filled quesadilla, creating a bite‑size, cheese‑laden snack that delivers two comfort‑food experiences at once.
Common errors include spreading the beef too thick, which leads to an undercooked center; not pre‑heating the skillet, resulting in soggy tortillas; and flipping too early before the cheese has a chance to melt. Follow the timing steps and press the meat evenly for best results.
Bacon grease adds a subtle smoky, meaty flavor that complements the ground beef and mimics the richness of a classic burger. Vegetable oil works fine if you prefer a neutral taste or want to keep the dish lower in saturated fat.
Yes. Assemble the tortillas with seasoned beef and keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook them directly from the fridge; just add an extra minute to the first side to account for the cooler temperature.
The outer tortilla should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the interior cheese should be fully melted and the beef browned but still juicy. The edges of the tortilla will be a bit darker where the meat was pressed against the pan.
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on approachable, no‑frills American comfort food, especially wing‑centric dishes, quick snacks, and creative twists on classic favorites that home cooks can replicate without professional training.
All Wings Everything emphasizes simplicity, real‑world kitchen tools, and flavor‑first techniques rather than elaborate plating. The host often shares personal shortcuts, like pre‑forming beef balls, and encourages viewers to adapt recipes to their own tastes.
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