Name: Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor; use 90/10 for less grease); 6 taco-size flour tortillas (6–8 inch); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Seasoning of choice (2 tsp salt + 1 tsp black pepper, or 2 tsp taco seasoning); Oil for greasing the cooking surface (about 1–2 tbsp; more for lean beef); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp mustard; 2 tbsp pickle relish; Shredded lettuce, for topping; Tomato, diced, for topping; Pickles, sliced, for topping

Description

A quick and playful fusion of burgers and tacos with crispy tortillas, seared beef, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor; use 90/10 for less grease)
6 taco-size flour tortillas (6–8 inch)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning of choice (2 tsp salt + 1 tsp black pepper, or 2 tsp taco seasoning)
Oil for greasing the cooking surface (about 1–2 tbsp; more for lean beef)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp pickle relish
Shredded lettuce, for topping
Tomato, diced, for topping
Pickles, sliced, for topping

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Instructions

Make the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish. Taste and adjust. Set aside.
Heat the pan. Preheat a griddle, cast-iron skillet, or large nonstick pan over medium-high heat (aim for about 375–425°F on a griddle). Add 1–2 tbsp oil to coat the surface.
Portion the beef. Divide the ground beef into six equal portions (about 2.6 oz each). Lightly form each into a loose ball — do not compact.
Assemble and smash. Lay a tortilla on your work surface. Place one beef portion in the center and gently flatten so it covers most of the tortilla. Sprinkle with your seasoning.
Cook beef-side down. Transfer the tortilla to the hot cooking surface with the beef touching the pan. Cook 1.5–3 minutes without moving, until the beef develops a browned crust and the tortilla starts to crisp at the edges.
Flip and cheese. Flip the tortilla so the tortilla side touches the hot surface and the beef is up. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar over the beef. Cook 1–2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden and crisp. Watch closely—tortillas can burn quickly if the heat is too high.
Finish and top. Remove from heat. Add burger sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and pickles. Fold like a taco and serve hot.

Notes

Use a flat spatula for smashing the beef and heating the tortillas separately helps to prevent cracking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American