Description
Smash Burger Tacos combine the flavorful, crispy edges of classic smash burgers with the convenience and fun of tacos. Ground beef patties are smashed thin on a hot griddle right on top of flour tortillas, cooked to crispy perfection, then topped with melted cheese and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Fresh shredded lettuce, diced red onions, and dill pickle chips add crunch and brightness for an irresistible handheld meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Burger Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef (divided into 6 balls, about 2½ ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 6 6-inch flour tortillas (fajita size)
- 6 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Diced red onion (for topping)
- Dill pickle chips (for topping)
- Oil (for cooking, about 1 tablespoon)
Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Make the burger sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and combined. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the tacos.
- Preheat the cooking surface: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat, approximately 400°F, ensuring it is fully preheated for a crispy beef crust.
- Prepare the beef balls: Divide the cold ground beef into 6 equal balls, each just over 2½ ounces. Keep the beef cold to ensure a better smash and crisp edges.
- Place beef on tortillas: Place one beef ball in the center of each tortilla. Using clean hands or the bottom of a measuring cup, press the beef into a thin, even layer covering most of the tortilla. Season each with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Oil and place tacos on griddle: Lightly drizzle about 1 tablespoon of oil onto the hot griddle. Spread evenly. Place the tacos beef-side down onto the griddle, pressing firmly with a spatula to ensure full contact.
- Cook the beef: Let cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the beef develops a deep, crispy crust and edges brown, while tortillas soften slightly.
- Flip and add cheese: Carefully slide a spatula under each taco and flip it over. Immediately place a slice of cheese on the cooked beef. Cook an additional 1–2 minutes until tortillas are golden and crispy and cheese is melted.
- Assemble tacos: Transfer tacos to a plate. Drizzle generously with the chilled burger sauce, then top with shredded lettuce, diced red onion, and dill pickle chips.
- Serve: Fold tacos in half and serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Keep the ground beef cold before smashing to achieve crispier edges and better crust.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but flour tortillas work best for folding and crisping.
- For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce.
- If you don’t have a griddle, a large heavy skillet will work well.
- Use a sturdy spatula to press and flip the tacos to keep them intact.
- These tacos are best enjoyed immediately to maintain crispiness of the tortilla and beef crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
