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Smash Burger Taco Recipe At Home

Print recipesmash burger taco recipe folded with crispy tortilla, melted cheese, and burger sauce

This smash burger taco recipe delivers a crispy, golden flour tortilla folded around a thin, seared beef patty and melted American cheese. It's bold, fast, and absolutely irresistible. Ready in 25 minutes with simple ingredients, this is the ultimate smash burger taco recipe at home for weeknights or game day.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
15 minutes
Total time
25 minutes
Yield
4 tacos

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 ground beef, divided into 4 balls 4 small flour tortillas (6-inch) 4 slices American cheese 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt and black pepper to taste Neutral oil for pan 3 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp ketchup 1 tsp yellow mustard 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish 1 tsp white vinegar Pinch of garlic powder (for sauce) Shredded iceberg lettuce Thinly sliced white onion Dill pickle slices Sliced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Mix seasoning: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Roll beef: Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls. Do not pack tightly.
  3. Make sauce: Stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Heat pan: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes. Add a light drizzle of neutral oil and wipe with a paper towel.
  5. Place tortilla: Lay one flour tortilla flat in the center of the hot skillet. Let it warm for 15 to 20 seconds.
  6. Smash: Place one beef ball on the center of the tortilla and press down hard with a heavy spatula for 10 full seconds. Season the top immediately.
  7. Cook: Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until edges are browned and the tortilla is golden underneath.
  8. Add cheese: Place one slice of American cheese over the beef. Cover loosely with a lid for 30 seconds to melt.
  9. Fold: Slide the spatula under the whole taco and fold it in half. Press gently and cook 30 seconds per folded side to crisp.
  10. Serve: Open slightly and add burger sauce, lettuce, onion, pickles, and tomatoes. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef only for the best crust and flavor. American cheese melts best for this recipe. Do not substitute with hard aged cheeses. Preheat your cast iron skillet fully before cooking to get a proper smash crust. Add cold toppings only after folding and finishing the taco. Reheat leftovers in a dry skillet for best texture. Never microwave. Store cooked beef tacos wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories
490
Fat
28g
Saturated fat
11g
Sugar
4g
Sodium
720mg
Protein
27g
Carbohydrates
32g
Fiber
2g