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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 tacos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (American-Mexican)
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using corn tortillas and gluten-free sauce ingredients)
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
- 4–6 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: smash burger tacos, special sauce tacos, easy taco recipe, burger taco fusion, quick dinner, taco night, smashed beef patties