– **Title**: Smash Burger Tacos
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
– 8 small flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
– 1/2 cup lettuce, shredded
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 2 tbsp yellow mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking oil (for frying)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Toppings**: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create a special sauce. Set aside.
2. **Shape the Patties**: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and gently form them into balls. Do not overwork the meat.
3. **Heat the Pan**: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil.
4. **Smash the Patties**: Once the skillet is hot, place the beef balls in the skillet. Using a spatula or a flat tool, smash each ball down firmly to form a patty. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy.
5. **Add Cheese**: Flip the patties, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, and let them cook for an additional minute or until the cheese melts.
6. **Warm the Tortillas**: In a separate pan or skillet, warm the flour tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
7. **Assemble the Tacos**: Place a good amount of shredded lettuce on each tortilla, followed by a smash burger patty with melted cheese on top. Add diced onions and pickles as desired.
8. **Drizzle with Sauce**: Top with the special sauce made earlier.
9. **Serve**: Fold the tortillas over the fillings and serve immediately, enjoying the delicious combination of burgers and tacos!
Enjoy your Smash Burger Tacos!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for great flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but expect a different taste and texture. Plant-based ground beef is an excellent vegetarian substitute, too!
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect for these tacos, but if you can’t find them, flour tortillas work well. Just keep in mind that flour is softer and will have a different taste.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic and melty. If you’re looking for something different, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add a nice twist. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Condiments: The sauce is a key component! I love this combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. If you’re skipping mayo for health reasons, plain Greek yogurt is a good alternative for creaminess.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Smash Burger?
Cooking smash burgers requires a little technique for that crispy crust everyone loves. Here’s how to get it right:
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot—this helps create a good sear.
- Use a small portion of beef (about 2 ounces) and drop it into the skillet.
- Immediately smash it down gently with a spatula. The goal is to create a thin patty that maximizes surface area for that crispy edge.
- Season immediately with salt and pepper. Let it cook without moving it for the best browning, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Working in batches keeps your burgers from overcrowding and ensures even cooking. Happy cooking!
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 25 minutes. You’ll be cooking the beef, warming the tortillas, and assembling your tasty Smash Burger Tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the sauce! In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until well combined. Once done, set this tasty sauce aside for later use.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet. Take about 2 ounces of the ground beef and place it in the skillet. Smash it down with a spatula to form a thin patty. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook this for about 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip the patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the other side is nicely browned. Repeat this process with the remaining beef, working in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough.
3. Heat the Tortillas:
While you’re cooking the beef, grab another skillet and warm the corn tortillas. Heat them over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable and ready to hold all the yummy fillings.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Now it’s taco time! Take each warmed tortilla and place a cheesy smash burger patty on it. Add a handful of shredded lettuce and a few pieces of chopped onion on top to give it a nice crunch and flavor.
5. Add Sauce and Serve:
Finally, drizzle your prepared sauce over the filling on each taco. Serve your Smash Burger Tacos immediately with extra toppings or sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use a Different Meat for These Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, especially for leaner meats like turkey or chicken, so monitor closely to avoid drying them out.
How Do I Store Leftover Taco Ingredients?
Store leftover taco ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Ground beef can be kept for up to 3 days, while tortillas and toppings will generally last about the same time. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet and the tortillas in the microwave or on the stove before assembling.
Can I Make the Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time! Just combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. This not only saves time on taco night but often allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, flour tortillas work well too! Alternatively, for a gluten-free option, you can use lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb version. Just be mindful of the fillings, as they might need to be adjusted to fit the wraps better.
