Smash Burger Tacos (Printable version)
Crispy beef patties smashed onto tortillas with melted cheese and tangy sauce
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Tacos & Cheese
03 - 8 small flour tortillas (street taco size, 6 inch)
04 - 8 slices American cheese or cheddar
→ Toppings
05 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
06 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 8-12 dill pickle chips
→ Smash Burger Sauce
09 - 4 tbsp mayonnaise
10 - 2 tbsp ketchup
11 - 2 tsp yellow mustard
12 - 1 tbsp finely chopped pickles or relish
13 - ½ tsp garlic powder
14 - ½ tsp onion powder
15 - ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended and set aside.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 oz each. Lightly season each ball with salt and pepper.
03 - Place a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Allow it to become thoroughly hot before proceeding.
04 - Working in batches of 2-3, place beef balls on the hot skillet. Immediately top each with a tortilla and press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten the beef thinly against the tortilla.
05 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef develops a browned crust and crispy edges.
06 - Flip each taco so the tortilla contacts the skillet surface. Place a cheese slice on each patty. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes until the tortilla turns golden and the cheese melts completely.
07 - Remove finished tacos from the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with remaining beef portions and tortillas.
08 - Top each smash burger taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced red onion, and pickle chips. Drizzle generously with the prepared smash burger sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The crispy beef edges against warm tortillas create the most satisfying texture contrast
- You get all the burger flavor without dealing with buns getting soggy
02 -
- Do not crowd the pan or the temperature will drop and you will lose the crispy edge effect
- The tortilla will stick to the beef naturally as it cooks, creating a seal that holds everything together
03 -
- Use two spatulas to flip if you are nervous about the tortilla tearing
- Let the beef cook undisturbed for the full 2 minutes before flipping