A delicious fusion of a juicy smash burger and a crispy taco. Ready in minutes and topped with a simple homemade burger sauce.
Servings 4people
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Ingredients
14ozGround beef (80/20 fat ratio works best)
4piecesMedium flour tortillas
4slicesCheddar cheese
1tspSalt
½tspBlack pepper
½cupLettuce, shredded
1mediumOnion, finely diced
1largeTomato, diced
For the Sauce
2-3tbspMayonnaise
2tbspKetchup
3tbspGherkin pickles, finely chopped
Equipment
Cast Iron Skillet or Flat Griddle: To maintain high heat and achieve the best crust.
Heavy Spatula or Burger Press: For smashing the meat firmly against the pan.
Mixing Bowl: To season your ground beef before assembly.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For dicing your fresh toppings and pickles.
Method
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt and black pepper. Knead briefly to combine.
Divide the meat into 4 equal portions. Take one portion and spread it in a thin, even layer across the entire surface of a tortilla, pressing it down firmly so it sticks.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla meat-side down into the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the meat is fully browned and crispy.
Flip the taco over. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on the meat side.
Cover the pan with a lid for 30-60 seconds. This melts the cheese perfectly and toasts the bottom of the tortilla until it's slightly golden.
While the tacos cook, mix the chopped pickles, ketchup, and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
Remove the taco from the pan. Spread a generous amount of the burger sauce over the melted cheese.
Top with fresh lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Fold it in half and enjoy immediately!
For authentic “smash” texture, press the beef very thin onto the tortilla before cooking and use high heat — this creates crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy.