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Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce

Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce

Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce combine juicy, perfectly smashed beef patties with a creamy, tangy sauce wrapped in warm tortillas. This quick and easy recipe offers a delicious fusion of crispy, savory burger flavors and fresh taco toppings, making it a fun and versatile meal perfect for taco night or casual gatherings. Customize with your favorite toppings or dietary preferences for an indulgent yet approachable gourmet experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, a pinch
  • Paprika, a pinch

Special Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Pinch of paprika
  • 1 tsp vinegar

Toppings and Assembly

  • Soft flour or corn tortillas, 8-10
  • 46 slices cheddar or American cheese
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce for heat
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced pickles, crispy fried onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, and vinegar. Stir well until smooth and refrigerate to let flavors meld while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Form and Smash the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into small balls slightly larger than golf balls. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a little oil. Place each ball on the hot surface and immediately smash down flat using a spatula to create thin patties with crispy edges. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the Patties to Perfection: Let the smashed patties cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Flip the patties, add cheese slices on top, and cook for an additional minute or until the cheese melts.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven until soft and pliable, avoiding drying out.
  5. Assemble the Smash Burger Tacos: Place a warm tortilla flat, add a smashed burger patty, spoon special sauce over it, then top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, and tomatoes. Fold the tortilla and serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use a heavy pan like cast iron to achieve crispy crust on the patties.
  • Do not overwork the ground beef to keep patties juicy and tender.
  • Smash the patties quickly and firmly for best caramelization.
  • Layer fresh, high-quality toppings and well-seasoned sauce to enhance flavor complexity.
  • Serve the tacos immediately after assembling to retain juiciness and melty cheese texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, special sauce tacos, easy taco recipe, burger taco fusion, quick dinner, taco night, smashed beef patties