Name: Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 pound ground beef; 6 (5-inch) flour tortillas; 2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade burger seasoning; Kosher salt, to taste; 6 tablespoons neutral oil, divided (such as vegetable or canola oil); 6 slices American cheese, divided; 18 thin bread-and-butter pickle slices; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 3 tablespoons chopped yellow onion; White sesame seeds, for garnish

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 pound ground beef

6 (5-inch) flour tortillas

2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade burger seasoning

Kosher salt

6 tablespoons neutral oil, divided

6 slices American cheese, divided

18 thin bread-and-butter pickle slices

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

3 tablespoons chopped yellow onion

White sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and hot sauce until combined. Cover and refrigerate if making ahead.

Step 2: Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2 1/2 ounces each). Place one portion on each tortilla.

Step 3: Using a fork, flatten the beef evenly on each tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon of burger seasoning and a pinch of kosher salt.

Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl the pan to coat.

Step 5: Place 2 tortillas, beef side down, into the skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula or burger press to flatten the meat.

Step 6: Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Flip the tacos, top each with a slice of American cheese, and cook for about 1 minute more until the cheese melts.

Step 7: Transfer cooked tacos to a baking sheet. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining 4 tacos, adding more oil if needed.

Step 8: Top each taco with the prepared burger sauce, three pickle slices, shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use a blend of smoked paprika and garlic powder in your burger seasoning.

Try swapping American cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist.

Use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option, but be gentle when pressing to avoid tearing.

Make the burger sauce up to three days ahead to deepen the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when pressing the beef?

Use sturdy flour tortillas and press gently but firmly with a spatula or burger press. Heating the tortillas slightly before adding the beef can also make them more pliable and less likely to tear.