Smash Burger Tacos
Why choose between a burger and a taco when you can have both in one incredible dish? Each bite combines the crispy, juicy, savory goodness of a smash burger with the handheld convenience of a taco. Perfect for a casual family dinner, game day, or any time you’re craving something a little different.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Tips
- Don’t Overmix: Handle the ground beef gently to keep the burgers tender.
- High Heat: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the burgers to get a nice sear.
- Customize Your Sauce: The sauce is versatile – feel free to adjust the ingredients to match your taste perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef: Opt for high-quality beef for the juiciest results.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for simple yet effective seasoning.
- 8 small flour tortillas: These will be the base of your tacos.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, melty component.
- Cooking oil: For frying, ensuring your burgers don’t stick to the pan.
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of your sauce.
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish: Adds a tangy crunch.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: For a sharp, deep flavor.
- 1 tbsp white vinegar: Brightens up the sauce.
- ½ tsp each of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder: These spices create a flavorful depth.
For Toppings
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce: For crunch and freshness.
- 1/4 cup chopped onions: Adds a sharp, sweet note.
Substitutions
- Cheese Varieties: Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a kick.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option or for their distinct flavor.
- Vegan Options: Try plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Instructions
Make the Smash Burgers
- Season and Shape: Begin by mixing your ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide it into 8 balls to ensure even cooking.
- Press and Cook: Flatten each ball onto a tortilla, then cook meat-side down in a hot, oiled skillet. Smash it down to get that crispy edge.
- Cheese and Flip: After flipping, add cheese to melt over the meat, covering the skillet to trap the heat.
Prepare the Sauce
- Mix: Combine all sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust to taste, making it as tangy or as mild as you like.
Assemble the Smash Burger Tacos
- Layer: Start with your lettuce and onions, then drizzle with that delicious homemade sauce.
- Fold: Place the smash burger on one side of the tortilla, fold, and you’ve got yourself a taco.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately in the fridge for up to two days.
- Reheating: Warm the meat and tortillas separately to keep the texture nice and crispy.
FAQs
Can I grill the smash burgers instead?
Absolutely, grilling adds a lovely charred flavor, just be careful when flipping to keep everything intact.
How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
Use fresh, room-temperature tortillas to ensure flexibility. Warming them up slightly can also help.
Can I add other toppings?
Of course! Think of this as a canvas for your favorite taco toppings – avocado, cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime would be fantastic.
Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
For the Smash Burgers
- 1 lbs. ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For Toppings
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
Instructions
- Make the Smash Burgers: Start by seasoning the ground beef with salt and pepper. Then, divide it into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Take each meatball and press it down onto a tortilla, using your fingers to flatten it out.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet with the meat side down. Use a spatula or another flat tool to press the beef down, creating a thin patty that covers most of the tortilla’s surface.
- Cook the burger on one side for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until the beef begins to brown. If desired, use the back of the spatula to press down on the burger to flatten it further.
- Flip the tortilla and burger over and immediately sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooking beef patty.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt and continue cooking for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until the burger is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the smash burger from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat this process with the remaining smash burger tacos.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, paprika powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully blended. Set the sauce aside.
- Assemble the Smash Burger Tacos: Sprinkle the chopped onions over the shredded iceberg lettuce.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce over the toppings. Adjust the sauce amount according to your taste.
- To assemble each taco, place a generous amount of shredded iceberg lettuce with onions on top of the burger.
- Fold the tortilla in half, creating a taco shape.
- Serve the smash burger tacos immediately and enjoy the delicious fusion of smash burgers and tacos!
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.