Viral Smash Burger Tacos

Smash burger tacos rode a wave of online cooking culture by pressing loose beef onto hot flour tortillas until the edges turn lacy and crisp. Melty American cheese, dill pickles, and a tangy burger sauce finish the skillet mash-up.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 580 cal
• 28g protein
• 38g carbs
• 35g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
• 8 American cheese slices
• 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

1. 1In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth to make the special sauce; refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. 2Divide the ground beef into 8 equal loosely packed balls (about 2 oz each); do not overwork the meat so it stays tender when smashed.
3. 3Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes; add the oil and swirl to coat.
4. 4Place 2–beef balls in the skillet, leaving space between them, and immediately top each with a tortilla; using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash each ball firmly into a thin patty that spreads almost to the edges of the tortilla.
5. 5Season the exposed beef with salt and pepper; cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy and fat is rendering.
6. 6Flip each taco so the tortilla side is down; immediately top the beef with a slice of American cheese and a spoonful of diced onion.
7. 7Cook another 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is lightly toasted and golden in spots; transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef and tortillas, wiping the pan if needed.
8. 8Spread a generous spoonful of special sauce over the cheesy beef side of each taco, then pile on shredded lettuce and several pickle chips.
9. 9Serve immediately while the edges are still shatter-crisp, with extra sauce on the side for dipping.