Customizable with toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or onions
Great for lunch, dinner, or a kid-approved meal
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Quesadilla Filling 2 medium flour tortillas ½ lb ground beef ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works great) Chopped pickles (optional) Chopped tomatoes (optional)
Burger Sauce 2½ tablespoons mayonnaise 1½ tablespoons ketchup 1 teaspoon pickle juice ½ tablespoon chopped pickles ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon paprika
Directions
Step 1 – Make the Burger Sauce In a small bowl, I mix the mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, chopped pickles, black pepper, and paprika until smooth. I set it aside so the flavors can blend while I cook the beef.
Step 2 – Cook the Ground Beef In a skillet over medium-high heat, I cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. I season it with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once browned and fully cooked, I remove it from the heat and drain the fat if needed.
Step 3 – Assemble the Quesadillas I lay out the tortillas and spread some burger sauce on half of each one. Then I top with cooked beef, shredded cheese, and optional toppings like chopped pickles or tomatoes. I fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal.
Step 4 – Cook the Quesadillas In a clean, dry skillet over medium heat, I cook each folded tortilla for 2–3 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted inside.
Step 5 – Slice and Serve I remove the quesadillas from the pan and let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. I serve them with extra burger sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 2 servings (2 quesadillas)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
Cheeseburger Deluxe I add thin slices of red onion, shredded lettuce, or jalapeños before folding for extra texture and spice.
Bacon Cheeseburger Quesadilla I toss in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky upgrade.
Veggie Swap For a meatless version, I use plant-based ground or sautéed mushrooms and onions instead of beef.
Spicy Sauce I mix a bit of hot sauce or chipotle into the burger sauce for a kick of heat.
Storage/Reheating
To Store I store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To Reheat I reheat them in a dry skillet to bring back the crispiness or use a toaster oven. The microwave works too but can soften the tortillas.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, I’ve tried cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella. Any melty cheese works well here.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s simple, cheesy, and fun to eat—kids usually love it.
Can I use store-bought burger sauce?
Yes, but I love how fresh and tangy the homemade version is—it takes just a minute to make.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the beef and sauce ahead of time, then assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh for the best texture.
What tortillas work best?
Medium flour tortillas are perfect—sturdy enough to hold the filling but still crisp up nicely in the pan.
Conclusion
These Easy Hamburger Quesadillas are one of the fastest and most satisfying meals I make when I’m short on time but craving something savory and cheesy. With seasoned beef, creamy burger sauce, and crispy tortillas, every bite is loaded with flavor. They’re great for busy lunches, quick dinners, or anytime I want that cheeseburger vibe—minus the bun.
This quick, beginner-friendly recipe combines ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy burger sauce in a crispy quesadilla — perfect for lunch or dinner in just 15 minutes.
Author:Emma
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:2 servings (2 quesadillas)
Category:Lunch
Method:Skillet
Cuisine:American, Mexican
Ingredients
For the Quesadilla Filling:
2 medium flour tortillas
½ lb ground beef
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Chopped pickles (optional)
Chopped tomatoes (optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
2½ tbsp mayonnaise
1½ tbsp ketchup
1 tsp pickle juice
½ tbsp pickles, chopped
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
Make the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice, chopped pickles, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Once cooked through, remove from heat and optionally drain excess grease.
Assemble the Quesadillas:
Lay tortillas flat and spread a layer of burger sauce on one half.
Add a layer of shredded cheese, followed by cooked beef, and optional chopped pickles or tomatoes.
Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
Cook the Quesadillas:
Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat.
Cook each quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy, and cheese is fully melted.
Serve:
Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve with extra burger sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Customize with your favorite burger toppings: lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, or extra cheese.
Use lean ground beef to avoid too much grease.
Great for using up leftover cooked beef or burger patties.
