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Handheld smartphone photo showing the jagged, charred edges of a smash burger patty on a small flour tortilla. (Smash Burger Tacos)

Smash Burger Tacos: The Ultimate Crispy Tortilla Burger Hack

These viral Smash Burger Tacos feature 80/20 ground beef smashed onto flour tortillas for maximum crispy, charred edges. Topped with melted American cheese, creamy burger sauce, and fresh toppings for a perfect 20-minute weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Smash Burger Taco Ingredients
  • 1 lb 80/20 Ground Beef 450g; cold
  • 8 small Flour Tortillas Street taco size
  • 8 slices American Cheese Classic orange variety
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt To season beef
  • 1/2 cup Iceberg Lettuce 100g; finely shredded
  • 1/2 small White Onion Finely diced into cubes
  • 1/4 cup Dill Pickles 50g; thin green slices
  • 1 tsp White Sesame Seeds For garnish
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 120ml; base for sauce
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard 30ml
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup 15ml

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle Essential for high heat and a superior char.
  • 1 Heavy Metal Spatula Used to firmly smash the beef onto the tortilla.

Method
 

Prep the Components
  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. Stir until it reaches a thick, pale orange consistency.
  2. Divide cold 80/20 ground beef into 8 equal balls (approx 2 oz / 55g each). Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Tacos
  1. Place beef ball on a hot cast iron skillet. Place a tortilla on top and press down firmly with a heavy spatula until thin.
  2. Cook for 2 minutes until beef edges are charred and jagged. Flip, add American cheese, and cover to melt.
Assemble
  1. Remove from pan and top with shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickle slices, a drizzle of sauce, and sesame seeds.

Notes

Keep the beef cold until the moment of cooking for a better crust.
Use a heavy spatula to ensure the beef is smashed thin enough to create lacy edges.