Smashburger Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the skillet
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional, for extra tanginess)
• Pickled jalapeños
• Hot sauce of your choice
• Sliced avocado
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Freshly chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika while cooking.
2. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and return it to the stove. This ensures the tortillas cook in a fresh environment without excess oil.
3. To assemble the quesadillas, lay out the flour tortillas. Spread a generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on one half of each tortilla. Add a portion of the cooked beef on top, followed by a sprinkle of sliced red onion. If you prefer a bit more crunch, add some diced red onion as well.
4. Fold the tortillas over to form a half-moon shape. Make sure the edges are pressed firmly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
5. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the folded tortillas in the skillet, cooking two at a time. Use a spatula to gently press down, ensuring the cheese melts evenly and the tortillas become golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. If needed, adjust the heat to prevent burning.
6. While the quesadillas are cooking, prepare the homemade salsa by combining the diced tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside. Add red onion and a splash of white vinegar for an added layer of flavor.
7. Once the quesadillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted, remove them from the skillet and let them cool slightly before cutting them into wedges. This allows the cheese to set, making them easier to slice.
8. Serve the Smashburger Quesadillas with a side of homemade salsa and your choice of spicy toppings, such as pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions can add a vibrant touch to the dish.