Quesadilla Burgers on the Blackstone Griddle

Yields: 4 Quesadilla Burgers
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor and juiciness)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Quesadillas:
8 large flour tortillas (burrito size, 10-12 inches)
2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack work great)
2 tbsp unsalted butter or a squeeze bottle of cooking oil (e.g., avocado or canola)
Optional Toppings & Sauce Ideas:
Diced white or red onion
Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
Cooked bacon bits
Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.)
“Secret Sauce” / Burger Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp relish (dill or sweet)
1 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Do not overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
Form the meat into 4 equally sized, thin patties, slightly larger than your tortillas. You can make them a bit thinner than a traditional burger, as they will be cooked inside the quesadilla. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up.
Preheat the Blackstone Griddle:
Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). You want a good sear on the burgers.
Cook the Burger Patties:
Place the burger patties on the hot griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-well, or adjust to your desired doneness.
As they cook, you can top them with a slice of cheese if you want extra cheesiness inside the burger itself, but it’s not strictly necessary since the quesadilla will be cheesy.
Once cooked, remove the burger patties from the griddle and set aside. Keep them warm.
Assemble and Cook the Quesadillas:
Reduce the griddle heat to medium-low to medium (around 300-350°F / 150-175°C). This is important to ensure the tortillas get crispy without burning, and the cheese melts.
Lightly butter or oil a section of the griddle.
Place one tortilla on the griddle. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the entire tortilla.
Place a cooked burger patty in the center of the cheese-covered tortilla.
Add any desired optional toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or bacon bits on top of the burger patty.
Sprinkle another ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the burger and toppings.
Place a second tortilla directly on top.
Repeat this process for the remaining burgers, working in batches if necessary.
Grill the Quesadilla Burgers:
Cook the quesadilla burger for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey. Use a wide spatula to carefully flip the entire quesadilla burger.
You can press down gently with the spatula while cooking to ensure good contact with the griddle and maximum crispiness.
Make the “Secret Sauce” (if desired):
While the quesadillas are cooking, whisk together all “Secret Sauce” ingredients in a small bowl.
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the Quesadilla Burgers from the griddle.
Slice them in half or into wedges, like a traditional quesadilla.
Serve immediately with the “Secret Sauce” for dipping, and any other fresh burger toppings like lettuce or tomato on the side.
Enjoy your delicious and unique Quesadilla Burgers!