Smash Burger Tacos (Printer-Friendly)
Crispy beef patties wrapped in warm tortillas with melted cheese, fresh toppings, and zesty sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Patties
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 Make It:
01 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until fully incorporated. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 oz each. Roll into loose balls and season lightly with salt and pepper on all sides.
03 - Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot, approximately 3-5 minutes. The surface must be sufficiently hot to achieve proper searing.
04 - Place 2-3 beef balls onto the hot skillet. Immediately press a tortilla onto each ball and flatten firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press, pressing the beef thinly against the tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned with crispy edges.
05 - Carefully flip each assembly so the tortilla contacts the skillet directly. Place a cheese slice on each beef patty. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the tortilla is golden brown and spotted with char, and the cheese is completely melted.
06 - Remove cooked tacos to a platter and repeat the cooking process with remaining beef balls and tortillas, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
07 - Top each smash burger taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and pickle chips. Drizzle generously with the prepared sauce and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy beef edges fused directly into warm tortillas create texture you cannot get any other way
- That moment when cheese melts over everything and binds it together is pure kitchen magic
02 -
- Don't be shy with the pressure when smashing the beef thin edges equal maximum crispy texture
- Let the skillet get properly hot before starting or you will end up steaming instead of searing
03 -
- Warm your tortillas for 20 seconds in the microwave before smashing to prevent cracking
- Have everything prepped and ready because once you start smashing, things move fast