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These tortilla smash burgers are the perfect way to enjoy all the juicy, melty goodness of a classic American burger wrapped inside a soft flour tortilla. The crispy seared edges of the beef, gooey American cheese, and tangy homemade burger sauce come together for a handheld meal that is fast to make and sure to satisfy both burger lovers and taco fans alike.
I first made these smash burger tacos on a game night with friends and they were a huge hit. Everyone keeps asking for them whether it is a weekend gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose fresh, bright red beef with an 80/20 fat to lean ratio for juicy, flavorful patties
- Flour taco shells: Look for soft and flexible tortillas to avoid cracking when folded around the burger
- American cheese: Slices melt beautifully giving that authentic burger cheesiness
- Pickles: Sliced crisp dill pickles add the perfect tang and crunch to balance the rich meat
- Onion: Diced sweet or white onion brings freshness and bite
- Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or romaine provides a satisfying crunch and bright color
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy smoothness to the burger sauce
- Mustard: Yellow mustard delivers sharpness and depth to the sauce flavor
- White vinegar: Gives the sauce a bright, zesty tang
- Swerve: A sugar substitute used to sweeten the sauce without adding calories Use the confectioners type for easy blending
- Smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and warmth Opt for Spanish smoked paprika for a richer taste
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle or skillet:
- Heat your cooking surface over mediumhigh heat until very hot This step is crucial to get those crisp and flavorful edges on your burgers
- Make the burger sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise mustard smoked paprika white vinegar and Swerve until completely smooth Set aside while you prepare the rest
- Prepare the toppings:
- Dice the onion slice the pickles and shred the lettuce Having everything ready makes taco assembly fast and simple
- Shape and cook the burgers:
- Divide the ground beef into eight equal portions Roll each into a ball and place on the hot griddle Use a burger press or a heavy spatula to smash each ball flat Season generously with salt and pepper Cook for two to three minutes until the edges are dark and crispy Flip and immediately top with a slice of American cheese Cook one minute more till cheese melts perfectly
- Warm the tortillas:
- Place each tortilla on the griddle for about thirty seconds per side This heats them through and keeps them soft and flexible without becoming soggy
- Assemble the tortilla burgers:
- Put one cheesy smashed burger on each warmed tortilla Add diced onion and pickle slices generously Drizzle plenty of the homemade sauce on top Add shredded lettuce for extra freshness if desired
- Serve immediately:
- Enjoy your smash burger tacos hot while the cheese is still gooey and toppings are crisp Feel free to customize with extra burger favorites such as tomato slices or crispy bacon
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I have to say the homemade burger sauce is my favorite part. It adds just the right tang and smoky warmth that lifts every bite. My family always asks for extra sauce to dip fries or even veggies. We recently had a lively family dinner that ended with a friendly debate over which pickles go best on these tacos. Crunchy dill for the win every time.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store the components separately in airtight containers Refrigerate the cooked burger patties toppings and sauce Keep the tortillas wrapped to prevent drying out Reheat the beef and tortillas just before assembling so the tacos stay fresh and avoid sogginess Assembled tacos taste best eaten immediately
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter twist swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey Try whole wheat or corn tortillas if you want to add more fiber or try a different flavor profile Cheddar or pepper jack cheeses also work nicely and melt well if you prefer something other than American cheese
Serving Suggestions
Serve these smash burger tacos with sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad to balance the richness Add extra pickle chips or a slice of tomato for more classic burger flavor accents Set up a taco bar with all toppings and sauces so guests can customize their own perfect smash burger taco
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These tortilla smash burgers are a fast, flavorful handheld meal perfect for weeknights and gatherings. Serve hot and let everyone customize their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What beef is best for smash burgers?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to ensure juicy and flavorful patties with crispy edges.
- → How do you get crispy edges on the patties?
Preheat the griddle or skillet until very hot and smash the beef firmly with a spatula to create a caramelized, crispy crust.
- → Can I use other tortillas besides flour?
Yes, corn tortillas or low-carb wraps can be used, but flour tortillas offer the best flexibility and classic texture.
- → What toppings pair well with these smashed patties?
Shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, diced onions, and a tangy sauce complement the savory beef and melted cheese perfectly.
- → How do I keep tortillas from tearing during assembly?
Warm tortillas briefly on the griddle until soft and pliable to prevent cracking or tearing while wrapping the burgers.