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Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

4.7 from 115 reviews

These Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of two beloved dishes—juicy, flavorful smash burgers wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Each taco features a perfectly seared patty seasoned simply with salt and pepper, melted American cheese, and fresh toppings like diced onion, dill pickle chips, and shredded iceberg lettuce. A tangy homemade sauce adds a delicious finishing touch, making them an easy, fun, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortillas and Burger

  • 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 (to taste)
  • Dill pickle chips (to taste)
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce (to taste)

Homemade Sauce

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, sugar, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Portion the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, shaping each lightly into a loose ball. Avoid compacting the meat to maintain juiciness.
  3. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a spatula to form thin patties, roughly the size of the tortillas. Season each patty with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook the Patties: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip carefully and place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the flour tortillas briefly on the skillet or microwave. Place one cheeseburger patty onto each tortilla. Top with diced onion, dill pickle chips, and shredded iceberg lettuce.
  7. Add Sauce and Serve: Drizzle the homemade sauce over the toppings, fold the tortillas gently, and serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can toast the tortillas lightly before assembling the tacos.
  • If preferred, substitute American cheese with cheddar, pepper jack, or any meltable cheese.
  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean) to reduce excess grease while keeping the patties juicy.
  • The homemade sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Customize toppings based on your taste, such as adding sliced jalapeños or tomatoes.

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, cheeseburger tacos, easy dinner, quick meal, homemade sauce, ground beef tacos