Step-by-step instructions
- Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- While the oil heats, season the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Form the beef into burger patties that suit your preferred size.
- Cook the patties in the hot skillet until they reach your desired doneness. Set them aside once cooked.
- In a separate skillet, lay one tortilla flat. On top, place a cooked beef patty, then sprinkle on the cheese and add some pico de gallo. Drizzle with Mexi-ranch dressing for an added kick.
- Top everything off with another tortilla and cook until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown and the cheese is melting.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until golden as well.
- Once done, remove from heat, cut into wedges, and serve while hot.
Best ways to enjoy it
Quesadilla Burger Melts can be a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, game day parties, or casual family dinners. For a complete meal experience, consider serving them with:
- A fresh side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette
- Crispy homemade fries or sweet potato fries
- Additional pico de gallo or salsa on the side for dipping
- A bowl of guacamole for extra flavor!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with any leftovers—which is rare given how delicious these are—store your Quesadilla Burger Melts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat to maintain that crispy texture, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are warmed through.
Pro chef tips
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the filling.
- Cook patties to medium doneness for a juicier bite, but ensure you check for safety if cooking beef—160°F is the recommended safe internal temperature.
- Experiment with toppings! Consider adding jalapeños or olives for a spicy twist or fresh cilantro for brightness.
Creative twists
Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations on the classic recipe:
- Chicken or turkey quesadilla burger: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with black beans or quinoa for a hearty plant-based alternative.
- Spicy chipotle queso: Swap out the cheese for a spicy chipotle cheese blend or sauce for an added kick.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
From start to finish, you can expect the Quesadilla Burger Melts to take about 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I freeze Quesadilla Burger Melts?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked Quesadilla Burger Melts. If freezing cooked ones, make sure they are cooled completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, just reheat in the oven.
What can I substitute for Mexi-ranch dressing?
If you don’t have Mexi-ranch dressing on hand, you can combine ranch dressing with salsa or create a homemade ranch dressing with sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and taco seasoning to keep it flavorful.
Embrace the fusion of flavors and textures with this delightful recipe that’s guaranteed to please at any table!
