Viral Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 8 small flour tortillas (street-taco size)
• 8 American cheese slices
• 1 medium yellow onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 Tbsp pickle relish
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
• 1 Tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. 1Stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth; refrigerate the special sauce until serving so the flavors meld.
2. 2Heat a large cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3–4 minutes; a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly.
3. 3Divide the ground beef into 8 loose 2-ounce balls; do not pack them tightly so they smash thin and crisp.
4. 4Brush the hot skillet lightly with oil. Place one tortilla on the skillet, set a beef ball in the center, and immediately smash it paper-thin with a stiff spatula or burger press, pressing hard for 10 seconds so the meat spreads almost to the tortilla edges.
5. 5Season the smashed beef generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook undisturbed 2–2½ minutes until the edges are deeply browned and lacy-crisp and juices run clear.
6. 6Flip the entire taco so the tortilla side is down. Immediately top the cooked beef with a slice of American cheese and a small handful of thinly sliced onion. Cover loosely with a lid or foil for 45–60 seconds so the cheese melts and the onion softens slightly.
7. 7Transfer the finished taco to a plate and repeat with remaining balls and tortillas, working in batches and wiping the skillet if excess fat accumulates.
8. 8Spread a spoonful of special sauce over each taco, then pile on shredded lettuce and a few pickle chips. Serve immediately while the edges are still shatter-crisp.
9. 9Offer extra sauce and pickles on the side so everyone can customize. These are best eaten right away with plenty of napkins.