Description
Experience the best of both worlds with these incredible Smash Burger Tacos! Thin, crispy beef patties smashed directly onto tortillas with melty American cheese, topped with fresh lettuce, onion, pickles, and a secret sauce. Easy, quick, and bursting with flavor, these fusion tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight or casual gathering.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
8 small corn or flour tortillas (4-6 inches)
8 slices American cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup diced white onion
1/4 cup sliced dill pickles
Salt and black pepper to taste
A drizzle of olive oil or neutral cooking oil for the griddle (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, prepare the secret sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal 2-ounce (56g) balls. Do not overwork the meat; gently form the balls.
Step 3: Heat a large cast-iron griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot and just starting to smoke. If needed, add a very light drizzle of oil.
Step 4: Place one tortilla onto the hot griddle. Immediately place one beef ball directly on top of the tortilla.
Step 5: Using a sturdy metal spatula and a second spatula or a heavy pot to press down, firmly smash the beef ball onto the tortilla until it is very thin, about 1/8 to 1/16 inch thick. Press firmly for 10-15 seconds to create maximum surface contact and caramelization.
Step 6: Season the raw side of the patty generously with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Cook for about 2-3 minutes, undisturbed, until the edges of the patty are crispy and browned, and you see juices bubbling through the top.
Step 8: Carefully scrape the spatula underneath the patty, ensuring you get all the crispy bits and the patty is still attached to the tortilla. Flip the patty-tortilla combo.
Step 9: Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of the cooked patty. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tortilla is lightly toasted and pliable.
Step 10: Remove the Smash Burger Taco from the griddle and transfer it to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef balls and tortillas.
Step 11: To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of the secret sauce on each cheese-covered patty-tortilla.
Step 12: Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced white onion, and sliced dill pickles.
Step 13: Fold the Smash Burger Taco in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Smash Burger Tacos!
Notes
For the best results, use a heavy cast-iron griddle or skillet and ensure it's smoking hot before smashing the patties. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. The secret sauce is highly recommended for an authentic burger-joint flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Tacos Wraps & Sandwiches
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg