Description
Crowd-pleasing smash burger tacos blend American diner classics with Mexican street food magic. Crispy beef edges, melted cheese, and zesty toppings make these handheld delights irresistible for anyone craving bold flavor combinations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 6 slices American cheese
Produce and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup diced white onion
- 1/8 dill pickle chips
Sauce and Cooking Components:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce in a compact mixing vessel to craft the burger sauce, then set it aside for later use.
- Activate a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, applying a delicate layer of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Partition ground beef into six roughly equivalent spherical portions, maintaining a loose, gentle formation to ensure optimal texture.
- Position each tortilla on a flat surface and strategically place a beef sphere in its center. Utilize a robust spatula or burger press to compress the meat uniformly, embedding it into the tortilla’s surface while generously seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Carefully transfer the taco to the heated cooking surface, positioning the beef side downward. Apply firm pressure and allow it to sizzle for 2-3 minutes until the meat develops a crisp, caramelized exterior.
- Execute a precise flip, exposing the tortilla side, and toast for 30-60 seconds until achieving a light golden hue.
- Reorient the taco beef-side up and crown with a slice of cheese, allowing it to melt luxuriously from the residual heat.
- Embellish each taco with crisp shredded lettuce, finely diced onions, tangy pickle chips, and a generous drizzle of the prepared burger sauce.
- Present the tacos immediately while piping hot, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of crispy beef and vibrant accompaniments.
Notes
- Achieve the perfect crispy beef edge by using a cast-iron skillet or griddle, ensuring high heat for a golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavor.
- Select ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20 ratio) to guarantee juiciness and prevent dry tacos, creating that mouthwatering smash burger texture.
- Gently press beef patties without overworking the meat to maintain a tender, loose texture that keeps the tacos incredibly succulent and flavorful.
- Customize these tacos for different dietary needs by using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, plant-based beef alternatives, or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate various preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg