If you love burgers and crave melty, cheesy quesadillas, this is the mashup of your dreams! Cheeseburger Quesadillas are juicy, cheesy, and packed with all the classic burger fixings, wrapped up in a crispy, golden tortilla.

They're incredibly easy to whip up, insanely satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for crazy weeknights, game days, or anytime you need serious comfort food-no grill required!

I first made these for a family movie night, and they've been a regular request ever since. Seriously, there's nothing like that gooey cheese stretch and the flavor burst in every bite. Give them a try-your taste buds will thank you!

Golden crispy quesadilla wedges stacked on a platter, oozing cheese and ground beef, topped with pickles and a drizzle of burger sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe

All the craveable flavors of a cheeseburger-without the mess of buns or grills!
Quick and easy to make, even on the busiest nights
Kid-approved and fun for the whole family to assemble and eat
Perfect for using up ground beef and leftover burger toppings
Crispy on the outside, oozy and savory on the inside

Key Ingredients for Cheeseburger Quesadillas

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

This is the star of our quesadilla, providing that unmistakable, savory burger flavor. Go for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the juiciest, most flavorful result. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning to keep the quesadillas from getting soggy. If you want to lighten things up, ground turkey or chicken works too-just be aware that the flavor will be a bit milder.

Cheddar Cheese

Nothing beats sharp cheddar when it comes to gooey melt and big flavor. Shred your own for the best melt and taste, but pre-shredded is just fine when you're in a hurry. Want to mix it up? Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a kick!

Flour Tortillas

Large burrito-size tortillas are easiest for these quesadillas and help create that classic crispy fold. You can use whole wheat for extra fiber or gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary needs. Just avoid anything too thick, as you want a crispy exterior.

Dill Pickles

Pickles add a pop of tangy, zesty crunch-just like your favorite cheeseburger. Slice them thin so they don't overpower the other flavors. Sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles are fun swaps if you like a little sweetness.

Burger Sauce

A simple combo of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a little mustard gives that signature burger joint vibe. Want extra zip? Try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Cheeseburger Quesadillas cooking process

Instructions for Cheeseburger Quesadillas

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through-about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let cook for 1 minute more for extra flavor. Remove from heat.

Make the Burger Sauce

While the beef cools slightly, whisk together ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard in a small bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking! Set aside.

Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of burger sauce over half of each tortilla.

Evenly divide the cooked beef mixture over the sauced side of each tortilla. Top with cheddar, mozzarella, and a few pickle slices per quesadilla. Fold tortillas in half to close.

Cook Until Golden and Crispy

Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Melt ½ tablespoon of butter, then cook quesadillas (one or two at a time, seam-side down). Press gently and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding more butter as needed.

Slice and Serve

Let the quesadillas cool for a minute, then cut into wedges. Serve hot with extra burger sauce, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or your favorite burger toppings!

Recipe Variations

Give It a Kick

Craving heat? Add diced pickled jalapeños, spicy pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for a fiery twist.

Skinny Swap

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and light mayonnaise in the burger sauce. You won't lose the great flavor, but you will cut some calories and fat.

Veggie-Loaded

Boost nutrition by adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to your beef mixture. You can even substitute half the beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a beefy-but-better texture.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free tortillas (look for flexible brands that crisp up well) to make these perfect for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Dairy-Free & Vegan

Try plant-based ground meat, vegan cheese, and egg-free mayonnaise for a totally dairy-free and vegan-friendly version. Cashew-based queso is a great cheese alternative!

Serving Suggestions

Round out your Cheeseburger Quesadillas with a side of crispy baked fries or sweet potato fries for a classic burger night feel. Fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad adds crunch and balance. Garnish with extra pickles, a scoop of burger sauce, and some cherry tomatoes or shredded lettuce for extra fun and color!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat until they're crisp and heated through (about 3 minutes per side). They can also be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes-avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy! Freezing isn't recommended, as tortillas may turn chewy, but you can freeze the cooked beef filling separately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Quesadillas (FAQ)

Q: Can I prep Cheeseburger Quesadillas ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can cook the beef filling and make the sauce a day or two early. Assemble and cook the quesadillas right before serving for best texture.

Q: What other meats can I use for the filling?

A: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based "beef" all make great substitutes. For a fun twist, try crumbled cooked bacon!

Q: How do I keep the quesadillas from getting soggy?

A: Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef, don't overload with sauce or cheese, and cook each quesadilla on a hot skillet until perfectly crisp!

There you have it-Cheeseburger Quesadillas are truly the best of both worlds: easy, flavor-packed, and fun to eat. I can't wait for you to try them out! If you do, please leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback makes my day and helps others discover this cheesy, delicious remix!