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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos

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These crispy smash burger tacos combine the juicy, caramelized flavor of smash burgers with a cheesy, crunchy taco shell and a tangy special sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 150 g)
  • 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Special Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice (5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion (40 g) – optional
  • Handful of sliced pickles
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or butter, for the skillet

Instructions

  1. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2.7 oz or 75 g each). Gently roll into loose balls without packing tightly.
  3. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter and heat for about 2 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  4. Make the cheesy taco shells: Place about ¼ cup (25 g) shredded cheddar cheese in a thin circle in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
  5. Using a spatula, carefully lift the cheese round and drape it over the side of a heatproof bowl or use tongs to mold it into a taco shape. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to cool and crisp further.
  6. Cook the smash burgers: Place a beef ball in the hot skillet. Immediately smash it flat with a spatula to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply caramelized and crispy.
  8. Flip the patty and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Optionally, add a slice of cheese on top and cover the pan for 30 seconds for melty cheese inside.
  9. Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked burger patty inside a crispy cheese shell. Add a dollop of special sauce, chopped onion, and pickle slices.
  10. Serve immediately while the shell is crunchy and the burger is juicy.

Notes

Watch the cheese closely to avoid burning. Smash the burger thin and quickly for crispy edges. Keep a towel handy to protect your hand while pressing patties. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook 2-3 patties at a time. Special sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to keep shells crispy; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, crispy tacos, cheesy taco shells, special sauce, quick dinner, easy tacos, homemade tacos, burger recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-cheesy-crunch-with-special-sauce/