This Applebee's Quesadilla Burger is the perfect restaurant copycat made lighter at home, right down to the Mexi-ranch sauce!
Whether you're making it for a fun weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard cookout, this copycat recipe is sure to impress!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Healthier copycat: It's a lighter version of the Applebee's version, but made with whole ingredients.
- Yummy sauce: You're going to want to put the Mexi-ranch sauce on everything.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Extra-lean ground beef – ground turkey can be used for a leaner option.
- Flour tortillas – use whole-wheat or corn tortillas instead.
- Cheddar cheese – Tex Mex or Monterey Jack would also be good.
- Pico de gallo – use store-bought for easy prep or make your own. Salsa would also work.
- Iceberg lettuce – swap out for romaine lettuce.
Mexi-ranch sauce
- Ranch dressing – use store-bought ranch or make your own.
- Sour cream – low-fat sour cream will cut down on the calorie count.
- Taco seasoning – use store-bought or make your own.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Cook the patties.
Form the beef into patties, then cook in a skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the tortilla.
Add a tortilla to the skillet and sprinkle on the cheese.
Step 3: Add burger to the tortilla.
Put the burger on top of the tortilla.
Step 4: Top with another tortilla.
Sprinkle on more cheese, followed by another tortilla. Cook and flip halfway through.
Step 5: Separate the burgers.
Lift the top tortilla off of each burger.
Step 6: Add toppings.
Add Mexi-ranch sauce, lettuce and pico de gallo.
Recipe tips & variations
Here are my top tips for making this quesadilla burger, including some ways to customize:
- Try different salsas: Jarred salsa, salsa verde or even mango salsa would all be good.
- Make it lighter: Use ground turkey and whole wheat tortillas to cut the calories.
- Add more toppings: Corn, sour cream, refried beans and turkey bacon are yummy options.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different type of meat for the patty?
While the traditional recipe uses ground beef, you can definitely substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
How many calories are in this recipe?
The Applebee's quesadilla burger has 1,400 calories per serving, whereas my version has 550 calories per serving, so you're saving a ton of calories by making it at home!
What sauce is on the quesadilla burger at Applebee's?
The Applebee's burger is topped with their signature Mexi-ranch sauce. I've outlined how to make it at home here – super easy and so tasty!
What to serve with quesadilla burgers
- Fries: Frozen fries, homemade fries or sweet potato fries
- Mexican side: Chips and guac or cowboy caviar
- Veggies: Coleslaw, veggie sticks or corn on the cob
How to store and reheat
Make-ahead: Prep the burger patties and mix the Mexi-ranch sauce in advance. Store separately until ready to assemble.
Store: Keep leftover burger patties and quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Reheat quesadillas in a dry pan until crispy.
Freeze & reheat from frozen: Freeze cooked burger patties for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before assembling with fresh tortillas.
More Applebee's copycat recipes
Meal prep tools
- I get all my grass-fed ground beef from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
- Get a meat thermometer to make sure your burger is cooked through.
- Use these Ziploc bag holders if you're planning on freezing any burger patties.
Copycat Applebee's Quesadilla Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup store bought pico de gallo
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce
Mexi-ranch sauce
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- Mix ground beef with salt & pepper then form into 2 large round patties. Add to a skillet over med-high heat and cook for 3 minutes per side. Meanwhile, mix ingredients for Mexi-ranch sauce together in a medium-sized bowl.
- Remove burgers from heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese to one tortilla. Place burger on top, then add another 1/2 cup cheese and finish with another tortilla. Repeat process one more time to form a second quesadilla.
- Fry one quesadilla at a time in a large frying pan covered with a lid over med-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping very carefully. Once cheese is melted, remove from heat.
- Lift the burger off of each bottom quesadilla to drizzle in Mexi-ranch sauce and add a layer of lettuce and pice de gallo. Cut each quesadilla in half, then serve and enjoy!
Video
Share With Me!
Did you make this recipe or want to share your thoughts? Make sure to leave your review below and tag me on Instagram #thegirlonbloor so I can check it out!