Description
These smash burger tacos combine crispy caramelized beef patties with soft tortillas and a tangy creamy special sauce for a quick, satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or shredded cabbage
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Pickled jalapeños or sliced fresh jalapeños (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you cook the burgers.
- Preheat your skillet: Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot, about 5 minutes.
- Form the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz or 55g each). Roll each into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
- Cook the smash burgers: Add vegetable oil to the skillet. Place 2-3 beef balls on the skillet without overcrowding. Using a spatula, press each ball down firmly into a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Hold pressure for 15-20 seconds. Let cook without moving for about 2 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip patties carefully and immediately add shredded cheddar on top if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
- Warm the tortillas: While burgers cook, warm tortillas in a separate pan or wrapped in foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add shredded lettuce or cabbage, a smash burger patty, diced tomato, and a drizzle of creamy special sauce. Top with jalapeños and cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the tacos hot off the skillet with crispy edges and fresh creamy sauce.
Notes
Do not press patties after flipping to keep juiciness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 25
Keywords: smash burger tacos, quick dinner, creamy sauce, easy recipe, ground beef tacos, taco night, homemade tacos