Smashed Burger Tacos
This is the ultimate fusion of Taco Tuesday and burger night, delivering on the promise of the viral sensation. A super-thin beef patty is smashed directly onto a corn tortilla and seared to create an impossibly crispy edge, which steams the tortilla perfectly. The result is a juicy burger experience with the fresh, bright crunch of your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Ground Beef, 80/20
- 8 Small Corn Tortillas
- 8 American or Medium Cheddar Cheese Slices
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños, minced, plus 1 tsp brine
- 1/2 Lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- to taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- for serving Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
- for serving Pico de Gallo
Steps
- 1
Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, minced jalapeños, jalapeño brine, and lime juice in a small bowl to create the sauce. Set it aside.
- 2
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions of 2 ounces each and roll them into balls. Do not overwork the meat.
- 3
Working one at a time, place a tortilla on your work surface. Put a beef portion in the center and, using a pie plate or the bottom of a pan, press down firmly to smash the meat into a very thin, even layer that reaches the tortilla's edges.
- 4
Season the surface of the meat generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- 5
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
- 6
Place one or two tacos, meat-side down, in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the beef develops a deep brown crust and the edges are crispy.
- 7
Flip the tacos. Immediately top the meat with a slice of cheese and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is lightly toasted and pliable from the rendered beef fat.
- 8
Transfer the finished tacos to a plate. Garnish with shredded lettuce, a spoonful of pico de gallo, and a drizzle of the sauce. Serve immediately.
Pro tips
- A smoking hot pan is non-negotiable for achieving the signature crispy-edged crust of a smash burger.
- Press the beef as thin as you can. This ensures a high ratio of crispy crust to juicy interior and cooks the patty quickly.
- Use pre-sliced American cheese for its superior meltability, which is a hallmark of a great smash burger. A medium cheddar is a good alternative.
- Prepare all your toppings before you start cooking. These tacos come together very quickly and should be eaten immediately for the best texture.