Name: Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 flour tortillas (6 inches); 1 pound lean ground beef; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola); 4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese); Diced onion (to taste); Dill pickle chips (to taste); Shredded iceberg lettuce (to taste); Mayonnaise (3 tablespoons); Pickle relish (1 tablespoon); Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon); Sugar (1 teaspoon); White vinegar (1 teaspoon); Paprika (½ teaspoon); Onion powder (¼ teaspoon); Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon)

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Introduction

Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, flavorful goodness of smash burgers with the fun, handheld appeal of tacos. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together with friends and family.

Three small tacos are placed closely on a white marbled surface, each featuring a thick, golden-brown, slightly charred tortilla base. On top of each tortilla, there is a dark brown, crumbled beef layer, covered partially by a slice of bright orange-yellow melted cheddar cheese. Over the cheese, there is a generous layer of shredded light green lettuce mixed with diced white onions. Each taco is topped with two curved, green pickle slices and drizzled with a light tan sauce. In the background to the right, a beige sauce in a white bowl is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 flour tortillas (6 inches)
1 pound lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
4 slices American cheese (or preferred cheese)
Fresh toppings: diced onion, dill pickle chips, shredded iceberg lettuce
Homemade sauce: mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions.
Step 2: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Step 3: Place one portion of beef in the skillet, then smash it down flat using a spatula for an even, thin patty.
Step 4: Season the patty with salt and pepper, then cook for about 2 minutes until a crust forms.
Step 5: Flip the patty, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and the burger is cooked through.
Step 6: Warm the flour tortillas briefly in a clean skillet or microwave.
Step 7: Assemble each taco by placing the cooked smash burger on a tortilla, then topping with diced onions, dill pickle chips, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of the homemade sauce.
Step 8: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix a little Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce into the ground beef before cooking.
Feel free to swap American cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese.
Try adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Use corn tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
The homemade sauce can be adjusted to taste: add more mustard for tang or more sugar for sweetness.

Storage

Leftover components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat to retain their crispy edges, and warm tortillas in the microwave or on a pan. Assemble tacos fresh before serving to keep the toppings crisp.

How to Serve

The image shows three crispy tacos placed close together on a white marbled surface. Each taco has two browned, toasted layers of flatbread that look crunchy, forming the outer shell. Inside, the bottom layer holds a cooked ground beef patty that is dark brown and crumbly. On top of the meat, a slice of melted bright orange cheddar cheese is visible, adding a smooth texture. Over the cheese, there is chopped green lettuce and diced white onions scattered across for a fresh, crunchy layer. The tacos are topped with several sliced green pickles placed near the center and drizzled with a creamy light beige sauce. In the background to the right, there is a white bowl filled with more of the creamy sauce, slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the smash burger tacos?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the patties are cooked through.

How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the beef. Using a spatula to firmly press the meat down creates a crust that helps release the patty more easily.