restaurant Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
• 8 slices cheddar or American cheese slices
• 1 tbsp neutral oil or beef tallow
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
• 1/2 medium white onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 tbsp sweet relish (optional)

list_alt Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and optional relish until creamy, then chill - a cold, tangy sauce balances smash burger tacos and supports easy weeknight comfort dinner flavor without extra work.
2. 2
   Step 2: Divide ground beef into 8 loose balls and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika - loose balls press thinner and create lacy edges for a crisp burger taco recipe texture.
3. 3
   Step 3: Press each beef ball firmly onto a tortilla in a thin, even layer - pressing beef onto the tortilla is the core technique that makes smash burger tacos cook fast and stay attached for quick handheld meals.
4. 4
   Step 4: Heat a large skillet or griddle over high heat with a small amount of oil until shimmering - a very hot surface is required to sear and caramelize so a viral taco dinner has real crust.
5. 5
   Step 5: Cook tortillas beef-side down for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing briefly at the start, until edges are deeply browned - direct contact creates the smash crust that defines smash burger tacos and elevates family dinner ideas.
6. 6
   Step 6: Flip once so the tortilla warms and toasts lightly, then immediately add a cheese slice - flipping once protects crust and melting cheese fast keeps this an easy weeknight comfort dinner.
7. 7
   Step 7: Cover the skillet for 30 to 45 seconds to melt cheese fully - steam helps melt cheese without overcooking the beef, keeping the burger taco recipe juicy and quick.
8. 8
   Step 8: Transfer to a tray and repeat in batches, keeping cooked tacos warm - batching keeps smash burger tacos consistent and makes quick handheld meals easy for groups.
9. 9
   Step 9: Spread special sauce on each taco, then add lettuce, pickles, and onions - cold toppings add crunch and acidity that make a viral taco dinner feel balanced, not greasy.
10. 10
    Step 10: Fold and serve immediately - timing matters because smash burger tacos are best when the crust is crisp and the toppings are cold, which is the signature contrast people love.