Quesadilla Burger

Although my aim is to eat as healthy as possible, like all of us, I have my weaknesses.  I especially love CHEESEBURGERS!! And when I combine my love of cheeseburgers with Mexican favorites, it gets even better.  Here, as the start of my Cheeseburger Paradise series, is one favorite I can never have enough of: the Quesadilla Burger.  All the savory parts of a quesadilla (salsa, crispy tortilla and melted CHEEEEESSSE!!) plus the all-american, all time favorite, hamburger patty.  It's a toss up between this burger and my Nacho Burger, but whichever is your favorite, both are sure to be hits at your next BBQ or cooking for your man!

Ingredients:

1 lean beef hamburger patty (or other, turkey, vegetarian, etc.)

1 large flour tortilla

2 tbsp chunky salsa (medium or hot, depending on preference)

2 tbsp. sliced yellow onion

2 tbsp. sliced green pepper

2 tbsp. sliced red pepper

1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (as needed)

1/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1/4 cup shredded (medium or sharp) cheddar cheese

1/2 tbsp. butter

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

salt & pepper to taste (optional)

Optional garnishes:

salsa

sour cream

guacamole

ketchup

1. Season your hamburger patty with red pepper flakes and salt & pepper as desired.
2. Grill patty on barbecue or pan fry to slightly under desired rareness.
3.  Remove patty from barbecue or pan and set aside.
4. In a skillet (or same one use for pan frying), add onion, green pepper and red pepper slices and oil (if needed because patty was not pan fried) over a medium heat.
5. Saute for approximately 8 minutes or until vegetables soften, meanwhile butter one side of tortilla.
6. Remove vegetables from skillet, place tortilla, butter-side down, into skillet.
7. Cut burger patty in half to make two "moons" to place on one side of the tortilla.
8. Build burger in skillet: On top of burger side add salsa, veggies, and layer with cheese (both kinds) generously, careful not to let topping spill out over the edge of the tortilla.
9. Fold tortilla over, and cook for a few minutes or until tortilla half on the bottom is a crisp, golden brown.
10. Use a large spatula to flip the over to the other side and cook until it's even to the other side with crispiness.
11. Remove from skillet.  Cut in half and serve...Enjoy!