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Close-up showing the inside layers of tortilla, beef patty, melted cheese, and pico de gallo.
Lindsay Lehrer

Quesadilla Burger

A healthier homemade take on the classic Applebee's Quesadilla Burger. Incredibly crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 7 people
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Weeknight Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
  • 7 tortilla bread
  • 14 slices American or provolone cheese
  • 1 cup pico de gallo homemade or store-bought
  • shredded lettuce
  • 2 tablespoons butter for frying

Equipment

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • mixing bowl
  • Butter knife

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and Montreal steak seasoning until just combined. Don’t overmix. Divide into 7 equal portions and shape into wide, thin burger patties. If using the small tortilla bread, spread the bread mixture over the entire tortilla bread. If using a large tortilla bread, put the meat mixture on half the tortilla bread.
  2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Melt a bit of butter. Place one tortilla in the pan, ground beef side down. Flip after 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add a slice of cheese, a scoop of pico de gallo, lettuce and top with another slice of cheese. Place a second tortilla on top and press gently. Or if using the large tortilla bread fold in half to cover. Cook for 2–3 minutes more, until golden and crispy on both sides and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  4. Slice each quesadilla burger into halves or quarters. Serve with extra pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.

Video