APPLEBEE ’ S

Quesadilla Burgers

A SPICY HERB MIXTURE GIVES THE GROUND BEEF A SATISFYING LATIN FLAVOR IN THIS

DISH. MAKE A DOUBLE BATCH OF THE SOUTHWEST SEASONING MIX TO ADD TO

OTHER FAVORITES, SUCH AS TACOS OR BURRITOS.

Southwest Seasoning Mix

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 / 2 teaspoon black pepper 1 / 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 / 4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 ounces fresh ground beef or chuck

1 / 2 cup chopped red onion 1 / 2 cup chopped tomato 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 / 2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

2 leaves iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 (10-inch) flour tortillas

1 / 2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese 1 / 2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced and cooked crisp 1. Do ahead: Combine all the ingredients for the Southwest Seasoning Mix and mix with the ground beef. Form into a large, flat patty, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, gently mix the red onion, tomato, red wine vinegar, cilantro, salt, jalapeño, and lettuce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Light a charcoal barbecue or heat a gas grill to medium. Clean the grate and coat it with vegetable oil.