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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos

crispy smash burger tacos - featured image

These crispy smash burger tacos combine juicy, flavorful smashed beef patties with melty cheese and soft tortillas, cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a satisfying crunch and comfort in taco form.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (or pepper jack for a kick)
  • 8 to 10 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • Thinly sliced pickles or pickled jalapeños
  • Optional sauces: ketchup, mustard, or chipotle mayo (mayo mixed with chipotle powder and lime juice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let the pan get hot, about 5 minutes, until a drop of water sizzles immediately.
  2. Place 1 pound of ground beef in a mixing bowl. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat.
  3. Divide the beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz or 60g each). Roll each into a loose ball.
  4. Place one ball into the hot skillet and immediately smash it down into a thin patty about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick using a spatula or burger press. Hold pressure for 15 seconds to create crispy edges.
  5. Cook patties without moving for about 2 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip carefully, place a slice of cheese on each patty, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy.
  6. While patties cook, warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or wrapped in foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
  7. Assemble tacos by placing one smashed burger patty on each tortilla. Top with diced onions, shredded lettuce, pickles or jalapeños, and your choice of sauce.
  8. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best juiciness and crust. Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain high heat and crispiness. Cover skillet after flipping to melt cheese faster. Avoid pressing patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Warm tortillas just before assembly. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to restore crisp edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, crispy burger, cast iron skillet, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef tacos, homemade tacos