Julie Clark
Updated:
Quesadilla Burger (Lighter Applebee’s Copycat That Actually Holds Together)
May contain affiliate links. Terms of Use Policy.
A quesadilla burger is a grilled beef patty served inside two lightly toasted flour tortillas instead of a traditional bun, loaded with melted cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and a creamy 3-ingredient sauce.
This is our copycat version of the Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger and I’ll tell you. It’s even better. We use 96% lean ground beef, skip the bacon, and make a ridiculously simple ketchup-mayo-pico sauce that pulls the whole thing together. It’s ready in 35 minutes, it holds together, and it’s become a summertime staple at our house since the first time I made it for a Memorial Day cookout.
If you’ve been searching for the Applebee’s version to make at home, this is it. Lighter, faster, and made with ingredients you already have.
Why We Stopped Ordering the Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger (And Started Making This Instead)
Several years ago, my son went through a serious Applebee’s phase. Every single time he got to pick the restaurant, that’s where we ended up. And that’s where I fell in love with the Quesadilla Burger. Grilled beef, melted cheese, pico de gallo, all tucked inside toasted flour tortillas instead of a bun. I ordered it every time.
Then I came across a news report ranking the most unhealthy items you could order at chain restaurants. The Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger was on the list. I wasn’t totally shocked but it was enough to make me want to figure out how to make it at home, lighter and but without sacrificing flavor.
I skipped the bacon, swapped in 96% lean ground beef, and built a simple 3-ingredient sauce that tastes just as good as what I remembered. Does Applebee’s still serve it? Yes. But we don’t order it anymore because this version is better, and we know exactly what’s in it.
You’ll also love our butter burgers, bbq bacon burgers and salmon quesadillas.
Why toasting the tortillas matters.
A raw flour tortilla has no structural integrity once it hits the heat and moisture from a burger patty. It turns soft, then soggy, and the whole thing falls apart in your hands.
Toasting it in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes per side creates a light crust on the outside while keeping the inside chewy. It acts almost like a bun, firm enough to hold the burger, sauce, and pico without collapsing. Don’t skip this step!
What sauce goes on a quesadilla burger?
The sauce is a 3-ingredient mix: equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise, stirred together with pico de gallo. That’s it. No ranch packet, no blender required.
The pico does a lot of work here. The tomato juice loosens the sauce into something spreadable, and the onion and cilantro give it a fresh kick that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. Stir in about ¾ cup of pico for every ½ cup each of mayo and ketchup.
If you’re making this from scratch, our homemade pico de gallo recipe takes about 15 minutes and is worth every second. Or grab a container from the refrigerated section at the store, which is totally acceptable.
What to Serve with Quesadilla Burgers
If you’re looking to stick with a Mexican theme, try one of these sides:
Recipe Variations:
- Make this sandwich with your favorite veggie burger.
- Use ground turkey for an even healthier option.
- Use low fat mayonnaise and low sugar ketchup.
- For a low carb option, use a lettuce wrap.
- Serve on traditional hamburger buns if you’d like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes on a Quesadilla Burger?
A quesadilla burger is built with a grilled beef patty, two slices of cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo, all tucked inside two lightly toasted flour tortillas. The sauce is a simple mix of ketchup, mayo, and pico de gallo spread directly on the tortilla. The Applebee’s version also includes bacon and pepper jack cheese but our homemade version skips the bacon to keep it lighter.
Does Applebee’s still have the Quesadilla Burger?
Yes, Applebee’s still serves the Quesadilla Burger on their menu. It comes with two slices of pepper jack cheese, Mexi-ranch sauce, and crispy applewood-smoked bacon. Our copycat version is inspired by the original but uses lean ground beef and a homemade pico-based sauce.
Can I make quesadilla burgers on a Blackstone griddle?
Absolutely. A flat-top griddle is actually ideal for this recipe. Cook the burger patties directly on the griddle, then toast the tortillas in the same pan with a light spray of cooking oil. The even heat ensures the tortillas get uniformly crispy without any hot spots.
What size tortillas should I use?
Street taco-size flour tortillas (about 4–5 inches) are the best fit. They’re the right diameter for a standard burger patty without too much extra tortilla overhang. If you only have regular-size tortillas, just shape your patties a little wider or trim the tortilla slightly.
Applebee’s Quesadilla Burger Copycat
Skip the restaurant. This quesadilla burger copycat uses lean beef, toasted tortillas, and a 3-ingredient sauce that won't fall apart on you.
Servings 6 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (we used 96% lean ground beef)
- 12 street taco-size flour tortillas
- 12 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups Pico de Gallo
- 1 1/2 cups shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Form 2 pounds of ground beef into 6 hamburger patties. To make them fit the flour tortillas better, make the patties thinner, with a diameter of about 4-5 inches. Grill the burgers on a preheated grill (400º Fahrenheit). The internal temperature should be at least 165º Fahrenheit. 2 pounds ground beef
- While the burgers are grilling, spray a frying pan with cooking spray. With the stove on medium-low, lightly toast the flour tortillas for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be light brown, and still a little chewy on the inside. 12 street taco-size flour tortillas
- Put one slice of cheese on a toasted flour tortilla. Place a burger over the cheese with another slice of cheese on top of the burger. 12 slices cheddar cheese
- For the sauce, mix the ketchup and mayonnaise. Mix in ¾ cup Pico de Gallo to the mayonnaise/ketchup mixture. ½ cup ketchup, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 ½ cups Pico de Gallo
- Spread some of the sauce mixture on each burger, and top with another spoonful of Pico de Gallo and some lettuce. Top with another flour tortilla. Serve immediately. 1 ½ cups shredded lettuce
Notes
The calories shown are based on the recipe making 6 sandwiches, with the serving size being one sandwich. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information.**
Nutrition
Calories: 759kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 1421mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 721IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 6mg
My husband and I loved this burger! You don’t even miss the bun!! I added hamburger pickles, red onion, avocado on an Ezekiel wrap. So delish!
This looks delicious. Thanks for sharing at Saturday Dishes. Pinned!
That looks delicious! x
Yum! I love that burger too. I also didn’t think the bacon was necessary. Thanks for reinventing it for us and sharing at the Burger Bash.
These look amazing!
This is insane in the best, most delicious way possible! I hope you’ll contribute it to this month’s Shine Supper Club.