Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

I’m Never Making Smashburgers the Old Way Again

Recipe by All Wings Everything

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.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$36.83
Total cost
$9.21
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the burger sauce until fully combined.
  • Spreading the ground beef evenly on the tortilla, leaving a border.
  • Cooking the first side for 2‑3 minutes before flipping.
  • Adding cheese and onions, then pressing to melt the cheese.
  • Ensuring both sides are toasted but not burnt.

Safety Warnings

  • Ground beef must reach an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) for safety.
  • Hot oil and skillet can cause splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle the press or spatula carefully to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of smash burger quesadillas in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of smash burger quesadillas exist within the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is a traditional smash burger traditionally served in American diners?

A

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.

cultural
Q

During what occasions are smash burger quesadillas typically enjoyed in American gatherings?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes smash burger quesadillas special or unique in American fusion cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making smash burger quesadillas?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use bacon grease instead of just vegetable oil for cooking the quesadillas?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make smash burger quesadillas ahead of time and how should I store them before cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the smash burger quesadilla is done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Green's Mac and Cheese

Green's Mac and Cheese

A vibrant, vegetable‑packed mac and cheese that gets its gorgeous green colour from leeks, broccoli stalks and spinach. A creamy cheddar‑parmesan sauce is blended to silky perfection, folded with al‑dente pasta and baked until golden with a crunchy almond topping.

1 hr 35 min
Serves 4
$13
8 views
AmericanMedium
I Paid Bakeries $5000 To Recreate AI Wedding Cakes!

I Paid Bakeries $5000 To Recreate AI Wedding Cakes!

A detailed, tiered wedding cake inspired by the $300 AI‑generated cake reviewed on Rosanna Pansino’s channel. Moist coconut butter cake layers are filled with silky mango mousse, frosted with coconut‑cream buttercream, and finished with dark chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, and fresh edible flowers.

8 hrs 20 min
Serves 24
$49
3 views
AmericanIntermediate
SWEET POTATO SALAD

SWEET POTATO SALAD

A hearty fall‑and‑winter salad featuring roasted sweet potato cubes, tender green lentils, dried cranberries, red onion, fresh parsley and cilantro, all tossed with a savory‑sweet maple mustard tahini dressing. Perfect as a nutritious weeknight meal or a vibrant Thanksgiving side dish.

1 hr 42 min
Serves 4
$27
4 views
AmericanEasy
Forget Frying, the Best Chicken Wings Are Roasted

Forget Frying, the Best Chicken Wings Are Roasted

These oven‑roasted chicken wings are cooked between two baking sheets so the hot metal renders the fat and browns the skin to a glossy, gelatin‑rich finish. No frying, no heavy sauces—just salt, pepper, a splash of oil, and the wing’s own drippings turned into a savory glaze.

1 hr 35 min
Serves 6
$16
5 views
AmericanMedium
Claire Saffitz's Light Ricotta Cake with Macerated Strawberries

Claire Saffitz's Light Ricotta Cake with Macerated Strawberries

A light, custardy ricotta cake made with whipped egg whites for lift, no leavening, and a creamy, slightly crumbly texture. Topped with macerated strawberries and brightened with lemon zest, this cake is a perfect summer dessert and a blank canvas for any seasonal fruit.

1 hr 45 min
Serves 10
$16
20 views
AmericanMedium
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

A chewy, buttery chocolate chip cookie with a crisp edge and a gooey center. Made by browning the butter for a deep butterscotch flavor, folding in both milk and dark chocolate, and chilling the dough for optimal texture.

5 hrs 17 min
Serves 18
$8
45 views
AmericanMedium