Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 Yellow Onion, finely diced (medium size - approx. 75g)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (15 ml)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (5 ml)
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (2.5 ml)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Beef Broth or Water (for deglazing)
- 4 large (approx. 10-inch/25cm) Flour Tortillas
- 1 cup (115g) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or your favorite cheese blend – Monterey Jack, Colby Jack work well)
- 1/2 cup (60g) Shredded Lettuce, finely chopped (Iceberg, Romaine, or Butter Lettuce)
- 1/4 cup (40g) Diced Tomato (Roma or Cherry tomatoes recommended)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Burger Sauce (recipe follows, or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Yellow Mustard
- 1 tsp Sweet Pickle Relish (5 ml)
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (1.25 ml)
- Pinch of Paprika
Instructions:
- Prepare the Burger Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Onion: Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and translucent.
- Season the Beef: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in beef broth or water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for a minute or two until the liquid is mostly evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of burger sauce (or your favorite condiment) on one side of each tortilla.
- Layer the Ingredients: On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese, followed by the cooked ground beef mixture, diced tomato, and shredded lettuce.
- Fold and Cook: Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve Immediately: Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with extra burger sauce on the side, if desired.