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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos with Zesty Special Sauce

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These crispy smash burger tacos combine the irresistible crunch of smash burgers with soft corn tortillas and a tangy, creamy zesty special sauce for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for cooking
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or cabbage
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Thinly sliced red onion or pickled onions
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Heat the Pan: Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add a teaspoon of oil and let it get hot but not smoking.
  3. Form and Smash the Burgers: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Roll loosely into balls without compacting. Place 2-3 balls in the hot pan (do not overcrowd), then immediately press down firmly with a spatula to form thin patties about ¼ inch thick. Leave untouched for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Flip and Cook: Once edges are crispy and brown, carefully flip each patty. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until cooked through but still juicy. Season with salt and pepper after flipping.
  5. Warm the Tortillas: While burgers cook, warm each tortilla in a dry skillet or over a low flame for about 20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Keep wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Place one patty on each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese while patty is hot so it melts slightly, then add shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, and sliced onions. Drizzle generously with the zesty special sauce.
  7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh while patties are crispy and tortillas warm. Serve extra sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

Use a hot pan and do not overcrowd to get crispy edges. Press patties firmly but not too thin to keep juiciness. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored refrigerated. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. For vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or spiced lentils.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, crispy burger, zesty sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef tacos

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