How to Make the Perfect Smash Burger Tacos
American Fusion · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
Thin crispy smash burger patties folded into soft flour tortillas with all the classic burger fixings. A viral mashup that delivers double the flavor in half the time.
Why this recipe works
This Smash Burger Tacos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 560 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb 80 percent lean ground beef
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 0.25 cup dill pickle slices
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Burger Sauce
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2: Portion the Beef
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls of about 4 ounces each. Do not overwork the meat. Keep them loose and round.
Step 3: Smash and Cook
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until very hot. Place a tortilla flat on the skillet, put a beef ball in the center, and immediately smash flat with a heavy spatula. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Flip the tortilla and beef together as one unit. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of the beef. Cook for another 90 seconds until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is lightly crisped.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Fold the taco in half, spread burger sauce on the inside, and top with shredded lettuce and pickle slices. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- flour tortillas → corn tortillas
- American cheese → cheddar cheese
- ground beef → ground turkey
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using a cold pan prevents the beef from getting a proper crust and sear
- Smashing the beef before placing it on the tortilla causes it to stick to the spatula
- Overworking the beef before portioning makes the patty tough and dense
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 560 calories, 32g protein, 38g carbs, 30g fat, 2g fiber.
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