– **Title**: Easy Smash Burger Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small flour or corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
– 1/2 cup pickles (slices or chopped)
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup mustard
– Optional: sliced jalapeños and avocado for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
3. Divide the beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Form them into balls but do not press them down yet.
4. Once the skillet is hot, place the meatballs on the skillet and use a spatula to smash them down flat (about 1/4 inch thick). Sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
5. Flip the smashed burgers and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they reach your desired doneness. Place cheese on top during the last minute to melt.
6. While the burgers are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate pan until soft and pliable.
7. Assemble the tacos by placing a burger patty on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and any additional toppings like jalapeños or avocado.
8. Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the assembled tacos, and serve immediately. Enjoy your easy smash burger tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for juicy burgers. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go for 90% lean or even ground turkey. Just keep in mind that leaner meat may be drier, so consider adding a bit of oil when cooking.
Tortillas: You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas offer a nice authentic taste, while flour tortillas are soft and chewy. If you’re gluten-free, check for gluten-free corn tortillas or wraps available in stores.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for burgers, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little kick. For a non-dairy option, vegan cheese would work too – just look for the type that melts well.
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise adds creaminess to the sauce, but Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative. You can also try avocado or hummus for a unique twist.
Hot Sauce: This is optional, but I love the extra kick! If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce for a different flavor.
How Do You Cook Perfectly Smash Burgers?
Cooking smash burgers is all about technique! The key is to create a nice crust while keeping the beef juicy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add some cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Form small balls of ground beef (about 2 ounces each) and place them in the hot skillet.
- Using a spatula, immediately smash each ball into a thin patty. The goal is to expose more surface area for browning.
- Season with salt and pepper as they cook. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they’re browned and crispy.
- When you flip them, add cheese on top quickly to let it melt from the heat of the patty.
This technique not only enhances flavor but also gives that delicious texture that makes smash burgers a favorite!
How to Make Easy Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup pickles (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the sauce and ingredients, and 20 minutes cooking the burgers and warming the tortillas. It’s a quick and fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce (if you want a little kick). Mix them together until smooth and set the sauce aside. This tasty sauce will be a great topping for your tacos!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add about a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the skillet is hot, grab the ground beef and divide it into small balls—about 2 ounces each. Place the balls in the skillet, making sure not to crowd them. This will help them cook evenly.
3. Smash the Burgers:
Using a spatula or a burger press, gently smash each ball into a thin patty. Season the patties with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned and crispy on the bottom. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The goal is to get them perfectly cooked while still juicy!
4. Add Cheese:
Once you’ve flipped the patties, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each one. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly. This should take just a minute or two.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the cheese is melting, take another skillet and lightly toast the tortillas over medium heat until they are warm and soft. This will make them easier to fold around all those tasty fillings!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place a cheesy patty on each warm tortilla. Add a handful of shredded lettuce, some diced tomatoes, and a few pickle slices on top. Don’t forget to drizzle on that delicious sauce you made earlier!
7. Serve:
Carefully fold the tortillas over the fillings to create your tacos. Serve them warm and enjoy your Easy Smash Burger Tacos with friends and family! They’re fun to eat and oh-so-delicious!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes, you can use leaner ground beef, but the burgers may not be as juicy. If you go for ground beef that’s 90% lean or higher, consider adding a little bit of olive oil or beef broth to keep them moist while cooking.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using to ensure everything is well blended again!
How to Store Leftover Smash Burger Tacos?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low heat, and consider freshening the tortillas by briefly toasting them again before assembling.
Can I Substitute Flour Tortillas for Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute flour tortillas for corn ones! Just keep in mind that flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable, so they may hold the fillings slightly differently. They will also give a different flavor profile that pairs well with the smash burger concept.
