Copycat Applebee's Quesadilla Burger Recipe
Recreate the iconic Quesadilla Burger from Applebee's right in your kitchen! This recipe combines a juicy, seasoned beef patty with melted pepper jack cheese, crispy beef bacon, fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a flavorful Mexi-ranch sauce—all sandwiched between crispy cheddar quesadilla tortillas. Perfect for a unique burger night that's sure to impress! 🍔🌮🧀
Ingredients
- ⅔ lb ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 small flour tortillas
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 slices pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- ¼ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup pico de gallo
- 4 pieces beef bacon cooked
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- A flat, even-heating skillet is a must—warped pans can cause uneven cooking. Check if yours is similar to this one I used for best results.
- Prepare the Patties: Form the ground beef into two ⅓-pound patties and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Tortillas: Place the flour tortillas on a baking sheet and divide the shredded cheddar cheese among them.
- Thin sheets can burn the base too fast. If you're unsure, this is the type that handles heat best.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the tortillas is lightly toasted and crisp, about 7 minutes.
- Cook the Patties: In the skillet, cook the patties for 4 to 5 minutes per side, adding a slice of pepper jack cheese on top once the patties have been flipped.
- Make the Mexi-Ranch Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the salsa and ranch dressing together to create the Mexi-ranch sauce.
- Assemble the Quesadilla Burgers: Spread 1 tablespoon of the Mexi-ranch sauce on each tortilla. Place shredded lettuce on two tortillas and top with 2 tablespoons of pico de gallo. Add the cooked beef bacon slices on the remaining tortillas.
- Build the Burgers: Place the cooked burger patties on the tortillas with pico de gallo, then top with the tortillas with beef bacon. Press gently to set the burgers and slice in half to serve.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add guacamole, jalapeños, or extra cheese to customize your quesadilla burgers.
- Cheese Options: You can use Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese instead of pepper jack for a milder flavor.