Smash Burger Tacos (Printable)

Juicy crispy beef patties in warm tortillas with melted cheese and zesty sauce

# What You’ll Need:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Tacos & Cheese

03 - 8 small flour tortillas, 6-inch street taco size
04 - 8 slices American or cheddar cheese

→ Fresh 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
16 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside at room temperature for flavors to meld.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 oz each. Roll each portion into a loose ball. Season all surfaces lightly with salt and pepper just before cooking to prevent moisture loss.
03 - Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until smoking hot, approximately 5 minutes. The surface must be sufficiently hot to create proper crust on the beef.
04 - Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place 2-3 beef balls on the hot skillet. Immediately place a tortilla directly on top of each ball. Press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press, flattening the beef thinly against the tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and crispy at edges.
05 - Flip each assembly so the tortilla contacts the skillet directly. Place one cheese slice atop each beef patty. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until tortilla is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Remove from skillet and set aside.
06 - Repeat cooking process with remaining beef balls and tortillas. Hold finished tacos in a warm oven or under foil if desired, though serving immediately yields best texture.
07 - Top each smash burger taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and pickle chips. Drizzle generously with prepared smash burger sauce. Serve immediately while tortillas remain warm and beef edges retain their crispy texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy lacey edges of smashed beef fused into warm tortillas create texture you cannot get from regular tacos
  • Everything cooks in one pan and comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight chaos
  • That homemade burger sauce ties it all together with just the right tangy creamy kick
02 -
  • Your pan must be hot enough that the beef sizzles loudly when it hits the surface, otherwise you will not get that signature crispy edge
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet or the temperature will drop too much and you will end up steaming the beef instead of searing it
  • Let the tacos rest for about a minute after adding toppings so the cheese sets slightly and everything stays together when you bite in
03 -
  • A well seasoned cast iron skillet is your best friend here for getting that restaurant quality crust, but a heavy stainless steel pan works too
  • If you want to scale this up for a party, cook the smash burgers slightly ahead and keep them warm in a low oven, then have everyone assemble their own tacos
  • The sauce tastes even better after it hangs out in the fridge for a few hours, so consider making it the night before

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