Crispy Smashed Cowboy Butter (Print Version)
Golden smashed tortilla melts with juicy seasoned beef, cheddar, and a buttery smoky finish, paired with a creamy spicy sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Mixture
01 -
1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat content)
02 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
07 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cowboy Butter
08 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 -
1 clove garlic, grated
10 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
11 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 -
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
15 -
1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
→ Assembly
16 -
10 small flour tortillas
17 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 -
Butter or oil for cooking, as needed
→ Spicy Dipping Sauce
19 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise
20 -
1 tablespoon ketchup
21 -
1 tablespoon hot sauce
22 -
1 tablespoon pickle juice
23 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
24 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
25 -
Pinch of cayenne pepper
→ Optional Toppings
26 -
Pickles, diced onions, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce for garnish
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Gently combine ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Roll into 10 to 12 golf ball-sized meatballs.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of butter or oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet, set a meatball in the center, and press it flat evenly with a spatula. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip the tortilla, sprinkle shredded cheese on the meat side, and cook while applying cowboy butter around edges. Repeat with remaining meatballs and tortillas.
03 -
Whisk melted butter with grated garlic, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, dried oregano, and flaky salt until glossy and aromatic.
04 -
Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne until smooth. Adjust spiciness to taste.
05 -
Arrange crispy tortilla melts on a platter. Offer optional toppings such as pickles, diced onions, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce. Serve with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
To maximize crispness, toast tortillas lightly before cooking and do not skip smashing the meatballs flat.
02 -
Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content to retain juiciness.
03 -
Store leftover melts wrapped tightly in foil for up to two days; reheat in skillet or oven to preserve texture.