Smash Burger Tacos (Print Version)
Crispy beef patties smashed into warm tortillas with melted cheese and tangy sauce for the ultimate fusion handheld.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef & Seasoning
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
→ 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
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly blended and set aside.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (approximately 2 oz each). Roll each portion into a ball and season lightly with salt and pepper.
03 - Preheat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until thoroughly hot and smoking slightly.
04 - Working in batches, place 2-3 beef balls on the hot skillet. Immediately place a tortilla on top of each and press down firmly with a sturdy spatula or burger press, flattening the beef into a thin layer against the tortilla.
05 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef develops a deep brown crust and crispy edges.
06 - Flip each taco so the tortilla contacts the skillet directly. Place a cheese slice on each beef patty. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the tortilla turns golden brown and the cheese fully melts.
07 - Remove cooked tacos from the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with remaining beef balls and tortillas.
08 - Top each smash burger taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, pickle chips, and a generous drizzle of the prepared sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get those irresistible crispy edges of a smash burger without firing up the grill
- Everything cooks together in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and more flavor
02 -
- Press firmly but do not press so hard that the beef tears or spreads beyond the tortilla
- Work in batches rather than crowding the pan or the meat will steam instead of crisp
03 -
- Keep a towel nearby because the pressing technique splatters a bit
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds if they are stiff from the fridge