Smash Burger Tacos

Smash burger tacos fuse the viral griddle smash with taco night: seasoned beef is pressed thin onto flour tortillas until edges crisp and cheese melts. Top with onion, pickles, lettuce, and a quick mayo-ketchup drizzle for a fast, high-protein dinner.

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 28g protein
• 32g carbs
• 30g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. 1Finely dice the onion and set half aside for topping; keep the rest for the burger mix. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and the reserved onion until just mixed—do not overwork.
2. 2Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal balls. Warm a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes, then lightly brush with oil.
3. 3Place a flour tortilla on the hot surface and immediately smash one beef ball flat onto it with a sturdy spatula, pressing into a thin even layer that nearly covers the tortilla. Season the exposed meat lightly.
4. 4Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges of the beef look deeply browned and crispy. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the meat, then carefully flip the whole taco so the cheese side hits the pan.
5. 5Cook the flipped side 1 to 2 minutes more until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden and lightly blistered. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining tortillas and beef, working in batches so the pan stays hot.
6. 6While the smash tacos cook, stir mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together in a small bowl for a quick burger sauce.
7. 7Arrange shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, remaining diced onion, and pickle chips in small bowls for easy assembly.
8. 8Spread a spoonful of burger sauce on each finished taco, then pile on lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Serve immediately while the edges are still shatter-crisp.