Smash Burger Tacos (Printable)
Crispy beef patties in warm tortillas with melted cheese and zesty sauce
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 (6-inch street taco size)
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 (optional)
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 2 oz each. Roll into balls and season lightly with salt and pepper on all sides.
03 - Place a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Allow to preheat thoroughly until the surface is very hot and smoking slightly.
04 - Working in batches, place 2-3 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. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef develops a deep brown crust and crispy edges.
05 - Flip each assembly so the tortilla contacts the skillet directly. Place a cheese slice on each beef patty. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes until the tortilla turns golden brown and the cheese completely melts.
06 - Remove from skillet and repeat cooking process with remaining beef balls and tortillas. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, pickle chips, and a generous drizzle of the prepared sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crispy lace edges on the beef are what smash burger dreams are made of and the tortilla gets perfectly toasted in the beef fat
- Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent and the whole meal comes together faster than delivery would arrive
- The sauce is the perfect tangy creamy bridge between burger night and taco Tuesday and you will want to put it on everything
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of sear and you will miss out on those crispy edges
- The tortilla needs to hit the beef immediately after placing it in the pan or the meat will cook separately and fall off
- Letting the beef develop a crust before flipping is non negotiable for that authentic smash burger texture
03 -
- A well seasoned cast iron skillet is your best friend here because it holds heat evenly and develops better crust than any other pan
- Place a clean heavy skillet or baking sheet on top of your spatula when smashing for even pressure and thinner patties