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Flavorful Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with Easy Creamy Special Sauce

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These smash burger tacos combine crispy, juicy beef patties with a tangy creamy special sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil (for the griddle or pan)
  • American cheese slices (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 8–10 small soft flour tortillas or corn tortillas (warmed)
  • Shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Pickles or jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon pickle juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside in the fridge to let flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
  2. Shape the Beef: Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces or 57 grams each). Gently form loose balls without packing too tight to keep the patties tender.
  3. Heat the Pan: Preheat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 3-5 minutes until it’s smoking hot. Add a small drizzle of vegetable oil to coat the surface.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place 2-3 beef balls on the hot pan spaced apart. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly on each ball until it’s about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Hold for 15-20 seconds for a crispy crust to form. Don’t move the patties once smashed.
  5. Cook and Flip: Let the patties cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Season with salt and pepper now. Flip carefully with the spatula, add a slice of American cheese if using, and cook another 1-2 minutes for melt and doneness.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: While patties cook, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave for 30 seconds.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a generous spoonful of the special sauce on each warm tortilla. Add a smash burger patty, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and pickles or jalapeños as desired.
  8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot off the griddle when the patties still have that crispy edge and the sauce is fresh and creamy.

Notes

Use high heat and do not overcrowd the pan to get crispy patties. Smash patties firmly once and avoid pressing repeatedly. Cheese should be added after flipping patties. Let patties rest briefly before assembling tacos. Sauce tastes better after chilling for 15-20 minutes. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. For vegetarian, use smashed black bean or lentil patties.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, creamy special sauce, quick dinner, easy tacos, ground beef tacos, crispy burger patties, taco night, casual dinner

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/flavorful-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-with-easy-creamy-special-sauce/