Name: Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef; Kosher salt (to taste); pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated); 4 to 6 pieces burrito-size tortillas; Olive oil spray (for crisping); Chopped tomatoes (for topping); Shredded lettuce (for topping); Pickled onions (for topping); Pickles or relish (for topping); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a mouth-watering, easy-to-make meal that will please the whole family, look no further than these Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas. They are the ultimate comfort food, combining the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the fun and versatility of a quesadilla. With a crispy exterior and a melty, savory filling, these quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or lazy weekends. Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, making them a lighter alternative without sacrificing any of that deliciousness.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas are not just a dish; they are an experience. Here’s why they are sure to be a hit:

– **Flavor Explosion**: Each bite offers a delightful combination of seasoned ground turkey or beef, rich cheddar cheese, and tangy condiments that mimic your favorite cheeseburger.
– **Customizable**: You can easily tailor these quesadillas to suit your taste preferences. Add different toppings, swap out cheeses, or even throw in some veggies.
– **Easy to Serve**: Perfect for feeding a crowd, they can be cut into wedges and served with a variety of dipping sauces. This makes them ideal for parties or family gatherings.
– **Quick to Prepare**: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.

What Goes Into Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas.

To whip up these delightful quesadillas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound of lean ground turkey or beef
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
4 to 6 burrito-size tortillas
Olive oil spray, for crisping
Chopped tomatoes, for topping
Shredded lettuce, for topping
Pickled onions, for topping
Pickles or relish, for topping

For the dipping sauce, gather these ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential tools:

Skillet or frying pan: For cooking the ground turkey or beef.
Spatula: To mix and flip the quesadillas.
Baking sheet: For the oven-baked quesadillas.
Grater: To shred your cheddar cheese.
Mixing bowl: For preparing the dipping sauce.

How to Prepare Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas.

Ready to dive into the cooking process? Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef. Season it generously with kosher salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Once the meat is cooked, stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas

Take a tortilla and sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese on one half. Add a portion of the meat mixture on top of the cheese, then sprinkle a little more cheese over the meat. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled quesadillas on the sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to ensure they get crispy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the quesadillas in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness.

Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce

While the quesadillas are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and BBQ sauce. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the quesadillas are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two. Cut them into wedges and serve with your choice of toppings like chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and pickles or relish. Don’t forget the delicious dipping sauce on the side!

Better Choices & Swaps

If you’re looking to make some healthier or alternative choices in this recipe, consider the following:

Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken for a lighter option.
Try using low-fat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative to reduce calories.
Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Steer Clear of These

When preparing your Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas, it’s best to avoid:

Overcooking the meat, which can make it dry.
Using pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melty texture.
Skipping the olive oil spray, which is essential for achieving that crispy exterior.
Filling the quesadillas too much, which can make them difficult to cook evenly and flip.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These quesadillas are great for meal prep and can be stored or frozen for later enjoyment.

Refrigerate: Store cooked quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place cooled quesadillas in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.

What can I serve with these quesadillas?

These quesadillas pair perfectly with a side of guacamole, salsa, or even a simple green salad for a refreshing balance.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the meat with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative. Just make sure to season them well for the best flavor.

How do I ensure my quesadillas are crispy?

Using olive oil spray on the tortillas before baking is key to achieving that crispiness, so don’t skip that step!

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baked Cheeseburger Quesadillas are not only delicious but also a fun way to bring a new twist to your meal routine. With their crunchy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling, they are bound to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite of these delightful quesadillas. You won’t be disappointed!