Smash Burger Tacos (Print Version)

A playful fusion of juicy smash burgers and crispy tacos, loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.

# What You Need:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder

→ Taco Shells & Cheese

06 - 8 small flour tortillas (5-6 inch street taco size)
07 - 8 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese

→ Toppings

08 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
09 - 1 medium tomato, diced
10 - ¼ cup diced red onion
11 - ¼ cup sliced pickles
12 - ¼ cup burger sauce (mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, paprika)

→ Cooking

13 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
02 - Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Divide into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz each).
03 - Lightly oil the skillet. Place a tortilla on the skillet and immediately top with a beef ball. Smash the beef ball flat onto the tortilla using a spatula or burger press until it covers most of the tortilla surface.
04 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy at the edges.
05 - Flip so the beef side is down and cook for 1 additional minute. Top each with a slice of cheese and cover briefly with a lid or heatproof bowl to melt.
06 - Remove from skillet and repeat the process with remaining tortillas and beef balls.
07 - Top each taco with shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce. Serve hot immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The crispy edges from smashing the beef directly onto tortillas create this incredible texture you can't get any other way
  • Everything cooks in one pan and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those weeknights when you want something fun but don't have hours to spend
02 -
  • Work in batches and don't crowd the pan, trying to cook too many at once will steam the beef instead of searing it
  • Let the pan get hot between batches, the sizzle sound is your friend here
03 -
  • Warm your tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds before starting if they seem stiff from the package
  • Have all your toppings prepped and ready before you start cooking, because everything happens fast once that beef hits the pan

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