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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with Easy Chipotle Lime Crema

crispy smash burger tacos - featured image

These crispy smash burger tacos combine juicy, crispy beef patties with a smoky, tangy chipotle lime crema for a quick and flavorful meal perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (about 50 g) thinly sliced red onion
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 12 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for heat)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle lime crema: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until hot but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions and loosely roll into balls.
  4. Place a beef ball in the hot skillet and press down firmly with a spatula to form a thin patty about ¼ inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining balls in batches.
  5. Cook patties without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip carefully, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on each patty, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and beef is cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
  6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20-30 seconds until pliable.
  7. Assemble tacos by placing a crispy burger patty on each tortilla. Top with sliced red onion, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of chipotle lime crema. Add optional toppings like avocado or pickled jalapeños if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while patties are crisp and crema is cool.

Notes

Brush spatula with oil to prevent sticking when smashing patties. Do not overcrowd pan to avoid steaming. Use fresh, room temperature beef for best results. Cover pan briefly when melting cheese to speed melting without overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, chipotle lime crema, crispy beef, quick dinner, easy tacos, comfort food, family meal