Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 blend is best for flavor)
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese or sharp cheddar
- 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- Sliced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Special Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon relish, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Burger Sauce and Beef. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Set this aside so the flavors can meld. Divide your ground beef into two equal portions and roll them into loose balls. Do not overwork the meat, as you want it to stay tender. Finely dice your onions and shred the lettuce so everything is ready for fast assembly.
- Step 2: Smash and Sear the Meat. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Do not add oil; the fat from the beef will suffice. Place one beef ball in the center of the pan and immediately place a flour tortilla directly on top of the meat. Using a heavy spatula or a burger press, press down firmly on the tortilla to flatten the beef into a very thin layer that covers most of the tortilla’s surface. Season the tortilla side lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Flip and Melt. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the beef edges visible under the tortilla look browned and crispy. Carefully slide a large spatula under the beef and flip the entire thing over so the tortilla is now touching the pan and the cooked beef is facing up. Immediately spread a teaspoon of mustard over the beef and layer on two slices of cheese. Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to melt the cheese while the tortilla crisps up.
- Step 4: Garnish and Fold. Once the cheese is gooey and the tortilla is golden brown, remove the quesadilla from the heat. Top one half of the cheesy beef with the diced onions, shredded lettuce, and pickles. Drizzle a generous amount of the special sauce over the toppings. Fold the tortilla in half to create a semi-circle and press down gently. Repeat the process for the second portion.
- Step 5: Plating. Slice the quesadillas into triangles using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Serve immediately while the cheese is molten and the tortilla maintains its signature crunch. Pair with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes