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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy smash burger patties served in soft tortillas with fresh toppings and a flavorful quick sauce, cooked in a cast iron skillet for the perfect crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or clarified butter (for skillet)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (120 g)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • A handful fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • For the Quick Sauce (optional):
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (can swap for vegan mayo)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp hot sauce or sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice tomatoes, slice onions thinly, shred lettuce and cheese, and mix quick sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each) and loosely roll into balls without overworking the meat.
  3. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil or clarified butter and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place 2-3 meatballs in skillet without overcrowding. Using a spatula, press down firmly until patties are about 1/4-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper immediately. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  5. Flip patties carefully and immediately sprinkle cheese on top. Cook another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through. Remove to plate and repeat with remaining meatballs.
  6. Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  7. Assemble tacos by spreading a spoonful of quick sauce on each tortilla, adding a patty, then layering with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use medium-high heat for best crust; do not move patties until crust forms to prevent sticking. Press patties firmly once and cook undisturbed. Warm tortillas before assembling. For leftovers, reheat in skillet to maintain crispiness. Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles but crispiness may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, cast iron skillet, quick dinner, easy recipe, crispy burger, ground beef, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-cast-iron-skillet-dinner/