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Flavorful Smash Burger Quesadilla with Caramelized Onions and Special Sauce

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A quick and easy quesadilla recipe featuring juicy smash burger patties, sweet caramelized onions, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy special sauce, perfect for a satisfying snack or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Pinch of sugar (optional)
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pickle juice
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Hot sauce (optional, a few drops)
  • 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch or 25 cm)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 100 g)
  • Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and add a pinch of sugar if desired. Cook until onions are golden brown and soft, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Prepare the smash burger patties: Divide ground beef into two equal portions (about 6 oz or 170 g each). Form loose balls without compacting. Season with salt and pepper. Heat skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter. Place one ball in the pan and smash firmly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thick. Cook 2-3 minutes without moving, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes more. Add cheese on top after flipping and cover briefly to melt.
  4. Assemble the quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat. Spread half the special sauce evenly, add one smash burger patty with melted cheese, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and a little more cheese on top. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the second tortilla and place it over the filling to form a sandwich.
  5. Cook the quesadilla: Wipe out the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add butter or oil. Transfer quesadilla to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with spatula to crisp evenly.
  6. Serve: Let quesadilla rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve with extra special sauce or a simple green salad.

Notes

Use fresh, cold ground beef and do not overwork when forming patties. Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor. Maintain moderate heat when cooking quesadilla to avoid burning or sogginess. Season beef well before cooking. Special sauce can be made ahead and stored up to a week in the fridge. For gluten-free, use corn or gluten-free tortillas. Vegetarian options include plant-based grounds or sautéed mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, quesadilla, caramelized onions, special sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, skillet cooking

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/flavorful-smash-burger-quesadilla-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-and-special-sauce-easy-step-by-step/