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Savory Smash Burger Taco Bowl Recipe with Creamy Thousand Island Dressing

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A quick and delicious twist on classic smash burgers served in taco bowls with fresh toppings and a tangy homemade Thousand Island dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cups (100g) shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (130g) cooked black beans (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños, to taste
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) dill pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest.
  2. Prep the taco bowl ingredients: Rinse and drain black beans if using. Halve cherry tomatoes. Shred lettuce and cheese. Set aside.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
  4. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Lightly form into loose balls without packing tightly.
  5. Place one beef ball in the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to get a crispy crust. Repeat for each patty, working in batches if needed.
  6. Season each patty with salt and pepper. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Add shredded cheese on top immediately and let it melt while the patty finishes cooking.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide shredded lettuce among four bowls. Layer with black beans, cherry tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and cheesy smash burger patties. Drizzle generously with the creamy Thousand Island dressing. Add extra cheese or jalapeños if desired.
  8. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best crispy edges. Do not press patties after the initial smash to maintain crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Dressing tastes better after sitting overnight. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce brand. Vegetarian options include black bean or lentil patties and vegan mayo. Variations include adding hot sauce for spice or swapping cheese types.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, taco bowl, Thousand Island dressing, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-smash-burger-taco-bowl-recipe-with-creamy-thousand-island-dressing-easy-and-delicious/