Smash Burger Tacos

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Introduction

If you’re a fan of tacos and crave a juicy smash burger, then there’s no reason to choose between the two! Smash Burger Tacos are a delightful fusion food that combines the best of both worlds: the flavors of a classic smash burger wrapped up in the portability of a taco. This delicious recipe offers a creative twist on traditional fast food favorites and delivers a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these Smash Burger Tacos are sure to be a hit.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

To prepare Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ⁠Small flour tortillas – 6 pieces
• ⁠Ground beef (preferably 80/20) – 1 pound
• ⁠Salt – 1 teaspoon
• ⁠Pepper – ½ teaspoon
• ⁠Cheese slices (American or cheddar work well) – 6 pieces
• ⁠Lettuce, shredded – 1 cup
• ⁠Diced tomatoes – ½ cup
• ⁠Pickles, diced – ½ cup
• ⁠Burger sauce or preferred dressing – ¼ cup

Prep Time

The preparation process is simple and takes approximately 15 minutes. This step involves shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes and pickles, and gathering all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for the Smash Burger Tacos is around 15 minutes, making the total time for this recipe approximately 30 minutes. This amount of time is ideal when you want to prepare a quick and flavorful meal. The recipe yields 6 tacos, perfect for serving a small group or for leftovers the next day.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Pan

Start by preheating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate cooking the tacos easily without overcrowding.

Step 2: Mix the Ground Beef

Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl and season it with your choice of taco seasoning. Mix the seasoning thoroughly into the beef, ensuring even distribution.

Step 3: Create Meat Balls

Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture into small, equal-sized portions and form them into round balls. The size of the balls should match the amount of meat you’d like to place on each tortilla.

Step 4: Prepare the Tortillas

Ensure you have the small flour tortillas ready for cooking. Set them aside near your cooking area so they are easy to grab while assembling.

Step 5: Cook the Smash Burgers

Place the ground beef balls directly onto the preheated skillet. Use a spatula to firmly press each ball into a flat patty. This will create “smashed” burgers that cook quickly.

Step 6: Lay the Tortillas on Top

Once the beef patties are smashed and cooking, place a tortilla firmly on top of each patty while they are still in the skillet. Press the tortilla down gently to ensure it adheres to the beef.

Step 7: Flip and Cook

After about 1-2 minutes of cooking the patty on the first side, flip the entire patty and tortilla combination so the tortilla comes into direct contact with the pan. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the tortilla becomes slightly crisp.

Step 8: Add Cheese

Place a slice of cheese or shredded cheese on top of the beef side of the taco while it’s still in the skillet. Let it melt slightly by covering the skillet for a short moment if needed.

Step 9: Assemble Toppings

Remove the taco from the skillet and transfer it to a serving plate. Add your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or any additional condiments you enjoy on burgers or tacos.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Repeat the process for all remaining meatballs and tortillas. Once all the tacos are cooked, serve them warm and enjoy.

Notes

Note 1: Customizing Seasonings

You can adjust the seasoning in the ground beef to fit your taste preference. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavors.

Note 2: Cheese Melting Tip

If the cheese doesn’t melt fully, you can quickly cover the skillet with a lid for a few seconds to trap heat and assist with the melting process.

Note 3: Choosing Tortillas

Flour tortillas work best for this recipe because they become crispy and adhere well to the beef patties, but you can experiment with other types of tortillas if desired.

Note 4: Cooking in Batches

If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the smash burgers in batches to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding.

Note 5: Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Traditional burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles work great, but you can also use taco-inspired toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.

Note 6: Serving Size

This recipe can be easily scaled up or down based on the number of servings needed. Adjust the quantity of ground beef and tortillas accordingly.

Note 7: Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, but note that the tortillas may not remain as crisp.

Cook Techniques

Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

Mix ground beef with seasonings thoroughly to ensure equal distribution of flavors throughout the meat.

Shape the Beef into Small Balls

Shape the seasoned ground beef into small, equally-sized balls to ensure even cooking later.

Smash the Beef on the Griddle

Place the beef balls on a hot griddle or skillet and smash them thinly with a spatula to create the classic flattened burger texture.

Get a Perfect Crisp Sear

Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping to form a nice crispy sear on one side.

Toast the Taco Shells

Toast the taco shells on a skillet or griddle for a few seconds to make them warm and slightly crispy before filling.

Melt Cheese over the Beef

Place a slice of cheese directly on top of the cooked beef while it’s still on the griddle to allow it to melt perfectly.

Assemble Taco Layers

Spread desired toppings on the taco shell before layering with the smashed burger patty and melted cheese.

FAQ

Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead, but note the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What’s the best type of cheese for smash burger tacos?

Classic American cheese works great for its melting properties, but cheddar or your preferred cheese can also be used.

Do I need special equipment to smash the burger patties?

A sturdy spatula or burger press is ideal for smashing, but you can also use the back of a heavy spoon if needed.

How do I prevent the beef from sticking to the spatula when smashing?

To prevent sticking, you can spray the spatula lightly with non-stick cooking spray or use a small piece of parchment paper between the spatula and the beef.

Can I prepare smash burger tacos ahead of time?

It is best to prepare and serve smash burger tacos fresh, as the textures and flavors are optimal when freshly cooked.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

You can add spicy seasonings to the ground beef or top the tacos with jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa for extra heat.

What toppings work best for smash burger tacos?

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise are classic options. You can customize with additional toppings like avocado or sriracha.

How do I keep the taco shells from becoming soggy?

Ensure the taco shells are toasted before assembling and avoid overloading with wet toppings or sauces.

Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells?

Yes, soft tortillas can be used as a substitute, but the texture will differ from crispy taco shells.

What type of griddle or skillet is best for this recipe?

A cast-iron griddle or non-stick skillet is ideal for achieving an even heat distribution and crispy sear on the burger patties.

Conclusion

Smash Burger Tacos are a delightful and creative twist on classic tacos, offering a combination of juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and soft tortillas that come together perfectly. This recipe is simple, versatile, and sure to become a crowd favorite for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re a taco lover or a burger enthusiast, this dish provides the best of both worlds with its flavorful and satisfying ingredients. It’s quick to make and fun to assemble, making it a fantastic choice for any day of the week.

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