Ingredients
Smash Burger Tacos:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 5 small Corn or flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Toppings:
- 1 1/4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup freshly diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Baby Pickles, halved
Burger Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon gherkin pickle brine or pickle relish
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned beef mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 pound lean ground beef with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Make the burger sauce: In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon gherkin pickle brine or pickle relish, and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside for flavors to meld.
- Form and press beef onto tortillas: Take a small handful (about 2–3 tablespoons) of the seasoned beef mixture and press it thinly and evenly onto one side of each of the 5 tortillas.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat to get ready for cooking the tacos.
- Cook the smash burger tacos: Place each tortilla meat-side down in the heated skillet one at a time. Press gently with a spatula and cook for 3–4 minutes until the meat is browned and crispy.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the taco so the tortilla side is down. Immediately sprinkle about 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked meat side. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the cheese melts and the tortilla crisps slightly.
- Add toppings and sauce: Remove the cooked tacos from the skillet. Top each with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, and halved baby pickles. Drizzle with the prepared burger sauce.
- Serve: Fold the tacos and enjoy immediately while they are hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference; both work well for this recipe.
- Pressing the beef very thin on the tortillas ensures a crispy exterior and even cooking.
- If preferred, adjust the taco seasoning amount to taste or use homemade seasoning.
- To make the burger sauce ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For spicier tacos, add a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce or top with jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion