Description
Enjoy a fun and flavorful twist on classic burgers with these Smash Burger Tacos. Ground beef is pressed thin and cooked directly on a tortilla to create a crispy, cheesy patty that's layered with a tangy homemade burger sauce, fresh lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickles. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering, these tacos bring the best of juicy smash burgers and handheld convenience together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Burger Tacos
- 4 Flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, both to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred cheese on a burger)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dill pickle chips
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
Burger Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Portion the Ground Beef: Begin by dividing the pound of lean ground beef into 4 equal portions to ensure even cooking and consistent patty sizes.
- Prepare the Tortilla and Beef Layer: Place a flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Evenly spread one portion of the ground beef over the entire surface of the tortilla, making sure the meat is thin and uniform for optimal cooking.
- Season the Beef: Lightly season the top side of the ground beef with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with the neutral oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Cook the Patty on the Tortilla: Carefully place the tortilla with the meat-side down onto the hot skillet. Apply gentle pressure with a spatula briefly to smash the meat into a thin patty directly on the tortilla.
- Form the Crust: Let the patty cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop on the beef side.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the tortilla-patty over to cook the tortilla side. Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of the patty to melt during the remaining cooking time.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, adjusting for desired crispness of the tortilla but avoiding burning.
- Remove from Heat: Take the cooked smash burger taco off the skillet and set aside.
- Repeat for Remaining Tacos: Repeat steps 2 through 9 for each of the remaining portions of ground beef and tortillas.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread a generous amount of the prepared burger sauce over each patty, then top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips to enhance fresh and tangy flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your smash burger tacos immediately while warm and fresh for a delicious handheld meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to reduce excess grease during cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the burger sauce mixture.
- To keep tortillas warm and pliable, wrap them in foil and place in a low oven (about 200°F) while cooking patties.
- Feel free to substitute American cheese with cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese.
- The smash technique ensures a flavorful crust but avoid pressing too hard to keep some juiciness in the patty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
