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Crispy One-Skillet Smash Burger Quesadillas Easy Recipe with Pickles and Special Sauce

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A quick and satisfying recipe combining smash burgers inside crispy quesadillas, layered with tangy pickles and a creamy special sauce. Perfect for busy nights or when the fridge is sparse.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend
  • ½ cup thinly sliced dill pickles
  • Special Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Pinch of onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil or butter for skillet frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  2. Form the beef patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 115 g each). Shape each into a loose ball without overworking. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of vegetable oil or butter. Heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes.
  4. Smash and cook the patties: Place one beef ball in the skillet. Using a spatula or burger press, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty (~¼ inch thick). Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. Repeat with remaining patties.
  5. Assemble quesadillas: Place one tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of special sauce over half the tortilla. Add one smashed burger patty, sprinkle about ⅓ cup shredded cheese, and a few pickle slices. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
  6. Cook quesadillas: Wipe skillet clean and reduce heat to medium. Add a little butter or oil, place folded quesadilla in skillet, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and golden and cheese melts. Repeat for remaining quesadillas.
  7. Serve immediately: Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve with extra pickles and special sauce if desired.

Notes

Do not overwork the beef to keep patties tender and juicy. Press firmly and quickly to get a thin, crispy crust. Use a hot skillet to sear the meat properly. Blot excess grease with paper towels to avoid soggy quesadillas. Cook quesadillas on medium heat to melt cheese fully before browning tortilla. Cheese choice affects meltiness and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, quesadilla, crispy, pickles, special sauce, quick recipe, easy dinner, skillet, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-one-skillet-smash-burger-quesadillas-easy-recipe-with-pickles-and-special-sauce/