Description
A nostalgic fusion of crispy smash burger patties and soft flour tortillas, topped with a creamy, tangy special sauce and sharp cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground chuck (80/20 blend)
- 12 large (8-inch / 20cm) flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup (120g) full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60g) sweet pickle relish
- 2 tbsp (30ml) yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp (30g) ketchup
- 1 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (3g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (6g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (75g) finely diced white onion
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, yellow mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (approx. 3-4 oz each). Season lightly with salt and pepper and keep chilled until ready to cook.
- Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot.
- Place one beef ball in the skillet. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper and press down firmly with a burger smasher to create a thin patty (approx. 1/4 inch thick). Remove parchment.
- Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and crispy.
- Scrape under the patty with a thin metal spatula to release crispy edges, then flip. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and the second side is browned. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining patties.
- In a separate small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of special sauce on a warm tortilla. Top with a smashed burger patty, diced white onion, and optional pickle slices. Fold or roll and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the skillet is smoking hot before adding meat to achieve the Maillard reaction and crispy edges. Do not move the meat after smashing; wait for edges to lift before flipping. Keep meat cold to prevent sticking. The special sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (1 tortilla,
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: smash burger tacos, special sauce, comfort food, ground beef recipes, quick dinner, family favorite, crispy tacos