This recipe combines a crispy smash burger with a cheesy quesadilla-style wrap using low-carb tortillas. It’s juicy, crispy, cheesy, and ready in about 20 minutes.
Makes
- 2 large quesadillas
Ingredients
For the Burger Filling
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional for smash-burger flavor)
Cheese
Choose one or combine:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar
- American cheese slices
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
Low-Carb Base
- 4 low-carb tortillas
OR
- Egg wraps
- Cheese wraps
Burger Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (low sugar if desired)
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon diced pickles
- Dash paprika
Toppings
Optional:
- diced onions
- pickles
- lettuce
- jalapeños
- tomatoes
- crispy bacon
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Burger Sauce
Mix together:
- mayonnaise
- ketchup
- mustard
- pickle juice
- diced pickles
- paprika
Refrigerate until needed.
2. Prepare the Beef
Divide ground beef into:
- 4 loose balls
Do not pack tightly.
Season lightly with:
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
3. Heat the Pan
Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
A hot surface is essential for crispy smashed edges.
4. Smash the Burgers
Place beef balls in skillet.
Immediately smash very thin using:
- spatula
- burger press
- heavy pan
Cook:
- 2 minutes
until deeply browned.
Flip.
Add cheese immediately.
Cook another:
- 1–2 minutes
Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Quesadillas
Place tortilla on clean skillet over medium heat.
Add:
- Cheese layer
- Two smash burger patties
- Burger sauce
- Pickles/onions/bacon
- More cheese
Top with second tortilla.
6. Cook Until Crispy
Cook:
- 2–3 minutes per side
Press gently.
The tortillas should become:
- golden
- crispy
Cheese fully melted.
7. Slice and Serve
Rest 1 minute.
Cut into triangles.
Serve with:
- extra burger sauce
- salad
- low-carb fries
- pickles
Optional Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Version
Add:
- crispy bacon
- smoked cheddar
Spicy Version
Add:
- jalapeños
- hot sauce
- pepper jack
Keto Ultra-Low-Carb
Use:
- cheese wraps
- egg wraps
instead of tortillas.
Crispy Smash Burger Tips
- Use high heat.
- Don’t move burgers too early.
- Smash once only.
- Fatty beef creates best crust.
Storage
Refrigerator
- up to 3 days
Reheat
Best in:
- skillet
- air fryer
to keep crisp texture.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Using low-carb tortillas:
- Calories: 500–700
- Protein: 30–40 g
- Net Carbs: 6–12 g
- Fat: 35–50 g
