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Savory Smash Burger Tacos Recipe Easy Homemade with Caramelized Onions and Special Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe combining crispy smash burger patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas for a comforting and fresh taco experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce or baby arugula
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat. Sprinkle in brown sugar and cook slowly, stirring every few minutes until onions are golden brown and soft, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
  3. Form the beef into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz each), rolling loosely to keep air pockets for juiciness.
  4. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Let the pan get hot until slight smoke appears.
  5. Place 2-3 beef balls in the skillet without crowding. Using a sturdy spatula, press each ball down firmly to about ¼-inch thickness. Cook until edges are deeply browned and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper after flipping. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and keep warm.
  6. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp towel until soft and warm.
  7. Assemble the tacos: Spread a spoonful of special sauce on each tortilla. Add a smashed burger patty, caramelized onions, shredded lettuce or arugula, and any optional toppings. Fold and serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking patties. Press patties firmly but gently to about ¼-inch thickness. Season patties after flipping to avoid drawing out moisture prematurely. Slow caramelization of onions is key for sweetness. Warm tortillas to prevent tearing. Special sauce can be adjusted for spice by adding or omitting cayenne pepper. Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Store patties and onions separately from tortillas to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, caramelized onions, special sauce, easy recipe, quick dinner, ground beef, homemade tacos

Find it online: https://avabake.com/savory-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-with-caramelized-onions-and-special-sauce/