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These tortilla smash burgers bring all the best parts of a classic American cheeseburger into a fun taco form that is perfect for busy dinners or casual get togethers. The juicy beef patties get a perfect sear on a hot griddle, topped with melty American cheese, and folded into warm, soft flour tortillas. Crisp pickles, diced onions, shredded lettuce, and a tangy homemade burger sauce complete the package making each bite a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This recipe comes together quickly with minimal cleanup but delivers big on taste.
The melty cheese always wins over my kids and the smoky tang of the sauce adds a flavor punch I crave. After trying it on game night it quickly became a staple for entertaining and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: fresh and bright red for juicy flavorful patties
- Flour taco shells: soft and flexible for easy folding without tearing
- American cheese: melts smoothly creating that classic burger gooeyness
- Pickles: sliced crisp dill pickles add perfect acidity and crunch
- Onion: diced sweet or white onion gives a fresh bite to balance richness
- Lettuce: shredded iceberg or romaine provides crisp refreshing texture
- Mayonnaise: adds creaminess and richness to the burger sauce
- Mustard: yellow mustard gives sharpness that balances the creaminess
- White vinegar: adds a touch of zesty brightness to cut through richness
- Swerve confectioners sugar: substitute sweetens the sauce without extra calories
- Smoked paprika: brings gentle smokiness and warmth opt for Spanish if possible for more depth
Instructions
- Preheat your griddle or skillet:
- Heat your cooking surface over medium high heat until it is very hot. This ensures the beef will develop a crispy and caramelized crust that defines a smash burger.
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise mustard smoked paprika white vinegar and Swerve until smooth. Set aside so flavors meld while you cook.
- Prepare the toppings:
- Dice onions slice pickles and shred lettuce. Keep these ready to assemble quickly once the burgers are done.
- Shape and cook the burgers:
- Divide ground beef into eight equal portions. Roll each into a ball and place them on the hot griddle. Smash each beef ball flat using a burger press or a heavy spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for two to three minutes until the edges are crispy. Flip quickly and top with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another minute until cheese melts perfectly.
- Warm the tortillas:
- Place each tortilla on the griddle for thirty seconds on each side until soft and a little toasty. This keeps them pliable and prevents cracking or sogginess.
- Assemble the tortilla burgers:
- Place a cheesy burger on each warmed tortilla. Add diced onion and pickle slices generously. Drizzle with the prepared burger sauce. Top with shredded lettuce for extra crunch and freshness.
- Serve immediately:
- Enjoy your smash burger tacos hot so the cheese stays gooey and the toppings fresh. Add any additional favorite burger fixings to customize.
Kids love the assembly part which turns dinner into an interactive family moment and often sparks lively conversation around the table.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover beef patties toppings and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge to prevent soggy tortillas or wilted toppings. When ready to eat warm the beef and tortillas separately before assembling the burgers. These are best fresh but will hold well if stored carefully.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground chicken or turkey can replace beef for a lighter protein option. Whole wheat or corn tortillas add fiber and a new flavor dimension. Cheddar or pepper jack cheese melts nicely if you want a little more spice or sharpness.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad complement these smash tacos well. Extra pickle chips or slices of tomato bring even more classic burger flavors and consider a build your own taco bar for parties where everyone can personalize their burgers.
These tortilla smash burgers are quick to make and perfect for casual gatherings. Serve hot and enjoy the melty cheese and crunchy pickles in every bite.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What type of beef works best for smash burgers?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties that crisp well when smashed.
- → How do you achieve crispy burger edges?
Preheat your griddle until very hot and firmly smash the beef balls with a heavy spatula or press to create crispy edges.
- → Can flour tortillas be substituted?
Corn tortillas or low-carb wraps can be used, but flour tortillas remain best for flexibility and a soft texture.
- → What toppings pair well with these handheld burgers?
Shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, diced onions, and a tangy sauce complement the beef and cheese perfectly.
- → How can I keep tortillas from tearing during assembly?
Warm tortillas briefly on the griddle until soft and pliable, which helps prevent cracking or tearing.