Description
Smash Burger Tacos are a creative fusion of classic American smash burgers and flavorful tacos. Each taco features a crispy, thin burger patty cooked directly on a tortilla, topped with melted cheese, crunchy pickles, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a tangy homemade burger sauce reminiscent of Big Mac sauce. This recipe offers a quick, delicious meal perfect for casual dinners or entertaining with an exciting twist on traditional flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Burger Sauce / Big Mac Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Tacos
- 4 flour tortillas, 6 inches in size
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper, both to taste
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
- 4 slices American cheese (or your preferred cheese on a burger)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Dill pickle chips
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
- Portion the beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions to ensure uniform size for each taco burger.
- Prepare the tortillas: Place a tortilla on a clean work surface and evenly spread one portion of ground beef across its entire surface, pressing gently to cover the tortilla evenly.
- Season the meat: Season the exposed side of the ground beef with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Heat the pan: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat the cooking surface with the neutral oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the smash burger taco: Carefully place the tortilla with the meat side down onto the heated skillet. Using a spatula, apply gentle pressure for a moment to form a thin patty that crisps evenly.
- Develop the crust: Allow the patty to cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the meat side.
- Flip and add cheese: Flip the taco burger over and immediately top the meat side with a slice of American cheese so it can melt while the other side cooks.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 3 minutes depending on how crisp you like the tortilla, taking care to avoid burning or charring the tortilla.
- Remove and repeat: Remove the cooked smash burger taco from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining portions of ground beef and tortillas.
- Assemble tacos: Spread the prepared burger sauce over each cooked smash burger taco, then top with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced onions, and dill pickle chips for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the smash burger tacos immediately while hot and enjoy this flavorful, innovative twist on the classic burger.
Notes
- The burger sauce can be prepared up to one day ahead to allow flavors to meld for a better taste.
- For best taste, refrigerate the sauce at least 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
- This recipe uses 6-inch fajita size tortillas; if using smaller street taco tortillas, adjust the meat portion accordingly and you may get about 8 tacos.
- Feel free to substitute the burger sauce with your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo.
- Cooking on a griddle works best as you can cook multiple tacos simultaneously; if using a skillet, you may need to cook in batches.
- Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- The burger sauce recipe yields a lot; halve the quantities if less sauce is desired.
- American cheese is traditional here, but any melting cheese you prefer works well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg