– **Title**: Smash Burger Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
– 1/2 cup tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
– 1/4 cup onions, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 1 tbsp mustard
– 1 tbsp burger seasoning (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for frying
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil.
2. While the skillet heats, divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and form them into loose balls.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add the beef balls to the skillet. Use a spatula to smash each ball down into a patty, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on one side until browned.
4. Season the patties with salt, pepper, and burger seasoning if using. Flip the patties and place a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt as they finish cooking (approximately 2-3 minutes).
5. In another skillet (or the same one if there’s space), lightly toast the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and pliable.
6. Assemble the tacos: Place a cheesy smash burger patty on each tortilla, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and onions.
7. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create the sauce. Drizzle over the assembled tacos.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for burgers because it has enough fat for flavor, but not too much that it’s greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or chicken, but be sure to season it well to avoid dryness.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are great for the authentic taco feel. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas work too, though they will give a slightly different taste and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice sharpness. If you want something milder, try Monterey Jack or even a vegan cheese alternative if you have dietary restrictions.
Onions: Diced onions add a nice crunch. You can substitute green onions for a milder flavor or use pickled onions for a tangy twist.
Burger Sauce: This sauce blend is versatile. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayo. For some heat, add a bit of hot sauce or sriracha!
How Do You Cook the Patties to Get that Perfect Smash?
Smashing the burger patties is key to getting that delicious crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with the beef at room temperature for easier handling.
- Don’t overwork the meat when forming balls to keep them tender.
- When cooking, keep your skillet hot; this helps achieve a good sear.
- Once you place the beef ball in the skillet, use a spatula or burger press to flatten it. The thicker the patty, the longer it takes to cook but don’t go over 1/4 inch to keep that juicy interior.
- Flip once you see the edges browning and add cheese right away for melty goodness.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking (optional)
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup pickle relish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll spend some time mixing up the sauce and smashing those delicious patties, then it’s all about assembling and enjoying your tasty tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making your burger sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Taste it to see if you want to adjust the flavors, and then set the sauce aside for later. It’s going to add a yummy kick to your tacos!
2. Form the Patties:
Next, take your ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball but don’t overwork the meat—keeping it tender is key for juicy burgers!
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You can add a little oil if you want to prevent sticking. Place the beef balls in the skillet with some space between them. Using a spatula or burger press, smash down each ball so it becomes a patty about 1/4 inch thick. Season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Add Cheese:
Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until they’re browned on one side. Then, flip them over and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes—it’s going to get deliciously gooey!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While your patties are finishing up, grab a separate pan and warm your corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are nice and pliable. You can also keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean towel. This makes them easy to fold!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and place a cheesy smash burger patty right in the center. Top it off with some shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a generous drizzle of your delicious burger sauce.
7. Serve:
Enjoy your smash burger tacos right away while they’re hot! Feel free to set out extra burger sauce on the side for dipping to really enhance the flavors.
Enjoy your tasty Smash Burger Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different meats can have varying cooking times and flavors, so adjust your seasonings as needed!
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No problem! You can use flour tortillas, which will hold up well with the fillings. Just keep an eye on them as they may need a bit longer to warm up. Alternatively, you can serve the patties without tortillas over a hearty salad for a tasty, low-carb option!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. Reheat the patties in a skillet over low heat to regain some of their original texture.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger sauce a day in advance! Just mix the ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will actually get tastier as the flavors meld together!
