I love how this recipe brings together everything I crave in a cheeseburger—juicy seasoned beef, melted American cheese, and tangy condiments—wrapped in a crispy tortilla. The dipping sauce pulls it all together with a creamy, slightly sweet zing that reminds me of burger joint secret sauce. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for sharing (or not sharing at all).
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Quesadillas
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons relish
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 tortillas
18 slices American cheese
Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
Splash of vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
In a small bowl, I mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. I cover and refrigerate the sauce so the flavors can meld while I make the quesadillas.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft. I drain off any excess fat.
I stir in the relish, ketchup, mustard, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once combined, I remove it from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
On half of the tortillas, I layer 2–3 slices of American cheese, then spoon the beef mixture evenly over the cheese. I add 2 more slices of cheese on top of the beef and finish each one with another tortilla.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re golden and the cheese is melted.
I slice the quesadillas into quarters and serve them hot with the chilled dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 quesadillas and comes together in just 13 minutes—3 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. It’s a fast, fun option for dinner or entertaining that everyone can dig into.
Variations
Sometimes I spice things up by adding chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a bacon cheeseburger twist, I mix in some crispy chopped bacon. I’ve also used shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheesy vibe. And when I want a low-carb version, I use low-carb tortillas or even lettuce wraps with the beef and sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or toaster oven so they crisp back up. The dipping sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days—just give it a quick stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I actually prefer making it a few hours in advance. The flavors blend better after sitting in the fridge, making it even tastier.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While American cheese melts the best, I’ve had great results with cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes. I bake them on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and melty.
What tortillas work best?
I like using medium (8-inch) flour tortillas for balance—they hold everything well and crisp up nicely without overpowering the filling.
Is the relish necessary?
I think it adds a nice tang and classic burger flavor, but if I don’t have it, I’ll swap in chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice.
Conclusion
These Cheeseburger Quesadillas with Dipping Sauce are the kind of fun, fuss-free meal I love to whip up when I’m short on time but craving big flavor. With juicy beef, gooey cheese, and that craveable sauce on the side, they hit every note of comfort and satisfaction. Whether I’m feeding a family or making a party platter, this recipe never lasts long.
These cheeseburger quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—served with a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that takes them over the top!
Author:Ella
Prep Time:3 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:13 minutes
Yield:6 quesadillas
Category:Dinner, Snack
Method:Skillet, Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
For the Quesadillas
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons relish
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 flour tortillas
18 slices American cheese
For the Dipping Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
Splash of vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sugar, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Flavor the Beef:
Stir in relish, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well and let cool slightly before assembling quesadillas.
Assemble Quesadillas:
Lay out half the tortillas. Add 2–3 slices of cheese, followed by a portion of the beef mixture. Top with 2 more slices of cheese and another tortilla.
Cook Quesadillas:
Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and the cheese has fully melted.
Serve:
Slice into quarters and serve with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
Use pickles instead of relish for a crunchier filling.
Swap American cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a twist.
Dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Optional: Add chopped bacon to the beef mixture for a bacon cheeseburger version.
