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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos

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A quick and easy recipe combining crispy smashed beef patties with a creamy special sauce, served in crunchy taco shells for a flavorful twist on traditional tacos and burgers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy, flavorful patties)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 small taco shells (hard or soft)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the special sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Stir well until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld (about 10 minutes).
  2. Prepare the taco fillings: Shred the lettuce, dice the tomato, and grate the cheddar cheese. If using jalapeños, slice them thinly. Set all aside within easy reach for assembly.
  3. Form the beef balls: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz / 60g each). Roll each into a loose ball—don’t pack too tightly, or you’ll lose that juicy texture.
  4. Heat the skillet: Place your cast iron or heavy pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  5. Smash the patties: Place one beef ball in the hot skillet. Using your spatula, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to create that crispy crust. Repeat for remaining balls, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Cook the patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy on the edges. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust timing if you prefer more or less cooked.
  7. Assemble the tacos: Warm the taco shells briefly in a dry skillet or oven (about 1-2 minutes). Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce inside each shell. Layer with lettuce, a crispy smash burger patty, shredded cheese, diced tomato, and jalapeños if using.
  8. Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed right away while the patties are crispy and the shells crunchy.

Notes

Use high heat for a crispy crust. Smash patties firmly and quickly. Season patties after smashing to avoid moisture loss. Drain excess fat on paper towels to keep taco shells crunchy. Warm taco shells just before assembling. Special sauce tastes better after chilling for a few hours. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas or certified gluten-free shells. For low-carb, use lettuce leaves instead of shells. Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, crispy beef, special sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, taco night, comfort food

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-flavor/