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Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

Smash Burger Tacos combine the best of juicy, seared ground beef smashed thin onto warm flour tortillas with melted sharp cheddar cheese and a tangy, creamy sauce. Cooked quickly on a hot griddle or skillet, these tacos deliver a crispy tortilla base with rich, flavorful beef and customizable toppings for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Tacos

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20), divided into six 2-1/2 oz. balls
  • 6 flour tortillas ("Fajita" size)
  • 6 slices sharp Cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (only if using a stainless steel pan)

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings (Optional)

  • Favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, jalapeños, cilantro, or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, paprika, and salt until smooth. Chill the sauce while prepping the tacos.
  2. Prep Pan: Heat an electric griddle to 400°F and allow it to become very hot. Alternatively, heat a dry cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. If using a stainless steel pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface to prevent sticking.
  3. Prep Beef: Divide the cold ground beef into six equal balls, each about 2-1/2 ounces. Handle gently to maintain some tenderness.
  4. Cook Beef: Place one beef ball onto one side of a tortilla and press down as thinly and evenly as possible. Season with salt and pepper. Immediately place the tortilla beef-side down onto the hot griddle or skillet. Press with a burger press or a small pan for 5 seconds to help set the crust. Let it sear without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  5. Flip and Cook: Using a stiff metal spatula, carefully release the beef from the pan—it should lift easily if cooked properly. Flip the taco so the tortilla side is on the hot surface. Quickly top the beef with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, cover with a lid or inverted metal bowl, and cook for about 1 minute until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes golden and crisp. Keep a close eye during this step to avoid burning.
  6. Add Toppings: Gently fold the taco and transfer it to a serving plate. Add your favorite toppings on top followed by a generous spoonful of the prepared sauce. Serve immediately.
  7. Keep Warm: To prepare tacos in batches, place finished tacos on a wire rack inside a 200°F oven to keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference such as lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapeños, onions, cilantro, or hot sauce.
  • Using a cast-iron skillet or griddle provides the best sear but a stainless steel pan works if oiled properly.
  • The smash technique ensures a crispy crust and evenly cooked meat.
  • Cooking time is quick, so ensure your pan is preheated well before cooking.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/smash-burger-tacos-recipe/