Description
Crispy, juicy smash burger tacos blend American and Mexican culinary traditions into one irresistible handheld delight. Melted cheese, caramelized beef edges, and zesty toppings create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil (for cooking)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ½ tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- 18 dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Skillet Preparation: Heat cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high temperature, lightly coating surface with butter or oil for optimal searing.
- Patty Formation: Portion ground beef into six loose, rounded balls, ensuring consistent size and minimal handling to maintain meat’s tenderness.
- Tortilla Smashing: Center each beef ball on individual tortillas, using heavy spatula or burger press to flatten meat evenly into thin, crisp layers. Season generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Cooking Process: Position tortilla-beef side down onto hot skillet, pressing firmly to create signature crispy exterior. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges caramelize and underneath develops deep golden-brown crust. Briefly flip to crisp tortilla side for 30-60 seconds.
- Cheese Melting: Return tacos to beef-side up orientation, crown with cheese slice and allow to melt luxuriously across hot surface, creating irresistible molten layer.
- Final Assembly: Garnish tacos with crisp shredded lettuce, sharp diced onions, tangy pickle chips, and generously drizzle prepared burger sauce for maximum flavor complexity.
- Serving: Present immediately while piping hot, showcasing perfectly crisp, juicy Smash Burger Tacos ready for delightful consumption.
Notes
- Apply firm, even pressure when smashing beef onto tortilla to create a thin, crispy crust that develops maximum flavor and texture.
- Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown edges without burning the tortilla or overcooking the beef, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior.
- Pat ground beef dry before forming balls to prevent steaming and promote better caramelization during cooking.
- Swap regular tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower or lettuce wraps, and use lean ground beef or turkey for healthier versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg