Ingredients

2 lb ground beef (85/15 or 80/20 meat to fat ratio)

1/4 medium yellow onion (finely diced)

1 jalapeno pepper (minced)

2 garlic cloves (pressed)

2 Tbsp minced cilantro

1 tsp cumin

1/2-1 tsp chipotle chili powder (to taste)

Salt

8 small flour tortillas*

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese mix

1/4 cup canned or frozen corn (drained and thawed)

1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and sliced)

1 medium tomato

1 avocado

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp chipotle chili powder

1 tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt (for chipotle mayo)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely diced onion, minced jalapeno, pressed garlic, minced cilantro, cumin, chipotle chili powder, and salt. Mix gently but thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients without overworking the meat.

Step 2: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions for 1/2-pound patties. Shape each patty quickly and place them on a metal tray lined with parchment paper. Season both sides with salt, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 3: When ready to cook, preheat a pan or stove-top griddle and add a little oil. Cook the patties for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and let rest for about 5 minutes, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: While the patties rest, preheat a clean griddle or pan for the tortillas. Lightly grease the surface and warm each tortilla until it crisps slightly on one side, then flip.

Step 5: On the toasted side, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese evenly and allow it to melt as the other side toasts. Remove tortillas from heat once the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden.

Step 6: Mix chipotle mayo by stirring together mayonnaise, chipotle chili powder, lime juice, sugar, paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle it or spread it directly on the burgers.

Step 7: Assemble the quesadilla burgers by placing a cooked patty between two cheese-melted tortillas. Add sliced jalapeno, tomato, avocado, and chipotle mayo as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a melty, flavorful cheese mix.

Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder in both the beef mixture and mayo for more or less heat.

If you prefer, replace the yellow onion with green onions for a milder flavor.

Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for added freshness.

For a lighter option, use turkey or chicken ground meat instead of beef.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked patties and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave and warm tortillas on a griddle before assembling again. Prepared quesadilla burgers are best enjoyed fresh but can be partially assembled and wrapped for quick reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the patties ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can shape and season the patties, then freeze them before cooking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chipotle chili powder?

If you don’t have chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a similar smoky heat. Adjust the amount to taste to avoid overpowering the other flavors.