Smash Burger Tacos: My Go-To Weeknight Fusion Fun (Print Version)

Smash Burger Tacos bring the best of both worlds! Get my personal recipe for this delicious fusion, packed with tips for juicy burgers and flavorful tacos.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Fusion
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten (can be adapted)

# Ingredients:

→ Smash Burger Essentials

01 - 1 lb (450g) 80/20 Ground Beef
02 - 8 slices American Cheese
03 - 1 tbsp Classic Burger Seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder blend)

→ Taco Assembly

04 - 8 small Flour Tortillas
05 - 1 cup shredded Iceberg Lettuce
06 - 1/2 cup diced Roma Tomato
07 - 1/4 cup finely diced Red Onion

→ Signature Sauce

08 - 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
09 - 2 tbsp Ketchup
10 - 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
11 - 1 tbsp Dill Pickle Relish

→ Optional Toppings & Freshness

12 - 1/4 cup Dill Pickle Slices
13 - 1/4 cup Sliced Jalapeños (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your toppings ready. Dice your tomatoes and onions, shred that lettuce, and slice those pickles and jalapeños. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for your special sauce – mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Give it a taste; sometimes I add a little more relish if I’m feeling extra zesty. This step makes assembly so much smoother later, honestly. I used to chop things as I went, and it was pure chaos, a real time-waster!
02 - Gently divide your ground beef into 8 equal portions. Don't overwork the meat; we want tender burgers, not tough ones. Roll each portion into a loose ball, about the size of a golf ball. This is where the "smash" magic begins, so resist the urge to pack them too tightly. I always tell myself, "gentle hands, gentle hands" here. If you press too hard now, you won't get that beautiful lacy crust later, and that's a mistake I've learned to avoid.
03 - Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it's smoking hot. This is crucial for that crispy crust! Place two beef balls onto the hot surface, then immediately place a piece of parchment paper over each and use a sturdy metal spatula to smash them down firmly and flatly. Hold it for 10-15 seconds. You’ll hear that glorious sizzle! This is the part that smells like pure diner heaven. Don't be shy; really get in there and smash 'em thin.
04 - After about 1-2 minutes, or once you see those crispy edges forming, carefully scrape the spatula under the patty (get ALL that crust!) and flip it. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each smashed patty. Right after that, lay a small flour tortilla directly on top of the melting cheese. This lets the tortilla warm through and absorb some of that delicious burger flavor and fat. I’ve definitely forgotten the tortilla once or twice, and had to hastily add it, but it still works, kinda!
05 - Let the cheese melt and the tortilla warm for another 30-60 seconds. The cheese should be perfectly gooey, and the tortilla soft. Carefully remove the cheesy burger-tortilla combo from the skillet. Repeat with the remaining beef balls and tortillas, working in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding is a mistake I used to make all the time, and it just steams the burgers instead of smashing them, oops!
06 - Now for the fun part! Lay your warm cheesy burger-tortilla flat. Spread a generous dollop of your special sauce on the tortilla. Pile high with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and diced onion. Add a few pickle slices and jalapeños if you're using them. Fold it up, and get ready to devour! The aroma is just incredible at this point – a mix of savory beef, tangy sauce, and fresh veggies. It's messy, it's glorious, and it tastes like happiness.

# Notes:

01 - Always preheat your cast-iron skillet until it's smoking hot for that perfect smash burger crust.
02 - Store cooked patties and fresh toppings separately to avoid soggy tacos.
03 - Finely minced dill pickles can stand in for relish in the special sauce.
04 - Pair these tacos with crispy French fries and a cold sparkling lemonade for the ultimate comfort meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large cast-iron skillet or griddle
02 - sturdy metal spatula
03 - parchment paper
04 - mixing bowls
05 - sharp knife
06 - cutting board.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: Approx. 550-650 calories per serving
Total Fat: Approx. 35-45g
Total Carbohydrate: Approx. 30-40g
Protein: Approx. 30-35g

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