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Smash Burger Tacos

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These smash burger tacos combine the crispy, juicy goodness of a classic smash burger with the convenience of a handheld taco. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 small flour tortillas (fajita-size, about 6 inches each)
  • 8 slices cheddar cheese or 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or avocado oil)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)
  • Sliced tomato (optional, for topping)
  • Sliced dill pickles (optional, for topping)
  • Thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions (optional, for topping)
  • Jalapeños or hot sauce (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using) to make the smash burger sauce. Cover and chill.
  2. Wash, dry, and shred lettuce. Slice tomato, pickles, onion, and jalapeños if using. Set aside for toppings.
  3. Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz each). Lightly season each with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and let it shimmer.
  5. Place a beef ball on the skillet, immediately press a tortilla (one side down) over it, and use a spatula to smash the beef flat so it fuses with the tortilla (about 1/4-inch thick). Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
  6. Carefully flip the beef-tortilla combo so the tortilla is on the skillet and the beef faces up. Immediately add a slice of cheese (or a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese) over the beef. Cook another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden and slightly crisp. Cover the pan for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt, if desired.
  7. Transfer smash burger tacos to a plate. Top with sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and any other desired toppings. Fold and serve while hot.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, crispy edges. Don’t overwork the beef when forming balls. If making for a crowd, keep finished tacos warm in a 200°F oven. For gluten-free, use GF tortillas; for dairy-free, use vegan cheese. Leftovers reheat best in a dry skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, burger tacos, easy weeknight dinner, skillet tacos, cheeseburger tacos, family dinner, quick dinner, ground beef tacos

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-weeknight-dinner-upgrade/