– **Title**: Easy Smash Burger Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup diced onions (red or white)
– 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise or burger sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil (for frying)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Beef**: In a bowl, season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overwork the beef.
2. **Heat the Pan**: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the surface.
3. **Cook the Patties**: Divide the seasoned ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, flattening them with a spatula to create thin patties. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until a crust forms, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. **Melt the Cheese**: After flipping, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt, cooking for an additional minute.
5. **Warm the Tortillas**: While the burgers are finishing, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
6. **Assemble the Tacos**: Place a cheesy smash burger patty onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
7. **Add Sauce**: Drizzle mayonnaise or your preferred burger sauce over the top.
8. **Serve**: Fold the tortillas and serve immediately while hot, enjoying the fusion of burger flavors in a taco format!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I used an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers. If you want to cut down on fat, try a leaner option like 90/10. For a non-beef alternative, ground turkey or veggie crumbles work well too!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas add great flavor and texture here. If you prefer, you can swap them for flour tortillas, but they won’t have the same crunch. You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If that’s not your taste, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can also add a nice kick. Vegan cheese is a solid substitute for a dairy-free option.
Pickles: These add tang and crunch. If you’re not a fan, try diced jalapeños for heat or even diced tomatoes for freshness!
How Do You Smash the Burgers for the Best Flavor?
Smashing the burgers is key to creating that crispy edge! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use a hot skillet or griddle to start getting that nice char. A touch of oil helps prevent sticking.
- Form the beef into small balls, around 2 oz. This helps in getting them flat enough.
- When you’re ready to smash, press down firmly with a spatula or burger press. Don’t be shy! The more you smash, the crispier the edges.
- Cook until the edges are brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip and add your cheese.
Timing is key – don’t rush the smash, and let them develop that fond on the skillet for the best flavor!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the sauce and cooking the beef, then another 10 minutes warming the tortillas and assembling everything. It’s a quick and fun dish that’s perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the delicious sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil to the pan. While the pan heats up, take the ground beef and form it into small balls—about 2 ounces each. Once the pan is hot, place the beef balls in the skillet, leaving space between them.
3. Smash the Burgers:
Now comes the fun part! Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball flat into a patty. Cook the patties for about 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are nice and crispy. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper while they cook!
4. Add Cheese:
Time to make it cheesy! Flip over each patty and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Allow the patties to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the burgers finish cooking, warm up your corn tortillas! In a separate pan, lightly toast them on both sides until they’re warm and pliable. This will make them easier to fold.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a cheese-covered burger patty and place it in the center of each tortilla. Top it off with some shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and a drizzle of your delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Finally, fold the tortillas over the fillings and enjoy your smash burger tacos while they’re hot! They’re perfect for a casual meal or a fun gathering. Dig in and savor each bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey can cook quicker and might require a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Keep the Tortillas from Tearing?
To avoid tearing, warm the tortillas gently in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This method keeps them moist and easier to fold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best flavor, keep the sauce and toppings separate from the tacos. Reheat the beef patties in a skillet for a few minutes and serve with fresh toppings!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly. It can enhance the flavors with a little time!
