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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos

crispy smash burger tacos - featured image

Quick and easy crispy smash burger tacos made in a cast iron skillet, featuring juicy smashed beef patties with melty cheese and fresh toppings inside warm corn tortillas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, diced onions, cilantro
  • Simple sauce: mayonnaise, a touch of ketchup, and a splash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your cast iron skillet on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until shimmering hot.
  2. Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 ounces each). Gently shape without overworking.
  3. Warm 8 small corn tortillas briefly in the skillet or a separate pan until pliable but not crispy. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  4. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or butter to the skillet. Place one beef ball in the skillet and press down firmly with a spatula or burger press to flatten into a thin patty about 1/4 inch thick. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the patty carefully and immediately add a slice of cheese on top. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  6. Place the cooked patty on a warm tortilla. Spoon a drizzle of the mayo-ketchup-hot sauce blend, then add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce or pickled jalapeños.
  7. Repeat with remaining beef balls and tortillas. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Do not press the burger too thin to retain juiciness. Keep ground beef cold until cooking. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Warm tortillas gently to avoid tearing. After cooking, wipe skillet with paper towel and lightly oil to maintain seasoning. Avoid non-stick pans for best crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, cast iron skillet, quick dinner, crispy burger, easy recipe, ground beef tacos