Tortilla Burgers Smash Burger Taco

Tortilla burgers are my go-to recipe whenever I crave a mashup of classic American cheeseburger flavors and the hand-held convenience of tacos. I love how the melty cheese and savory beef work so well on a warm taco shell with crunchy toppings. This recipe comes together super fast for weeknights when you want something fun and satisfying, and it always gets rave reviews at the table.

The melty cheese on each burger is always a hit in my house and the sauce adds a tangy punch that makes every bite taste like your favorite fast food burger I picked up this recipe on a game night and now it is a regular request with my friends

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Pick fresh and bright red beef for juiciest burgers
• Flour taco shells: Look for soft and flexible tortillas for easier wrapping
• American cheese: Slices melt smoothly for that true burger flavor
• Pickles sliced: Go for crisp dill pickles for tang and crunch
• Onion diced: Sweet or white onion adds bite and freshness
• Lettuce shredded: Use iceberg or romaine for the best crunch
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce
• Mustard: Yellow mustard brings sharpness to the sauce
• White vinegar: Gives the sauce a bit of zippy tang
• Swerve: A sugar substitute that sweetens the sauce without calories choose confectioners type for easy mixing
• Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and warmth opt for Spanish smoked paprika for more complexity

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your griddle or skillet:

Heat your cooking surface over medium-high heat until very hot This helps get the burgers crispy and caramelized

Make the sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise mustard smoked paprika white vinegar and Swerve until very smooth and set aside

Prepare the toppings:

Dice onion slice pickles and shred lettuce Keep each topping ready as you will build your tacos quickly once the burgers come off the griddle

Shape and cook the burgers:

Divide ground beef into eight equal pieces Roll each into a ball Place on the hot griddle Smash each beef ball flat with a burger press or heavy spatula Season with salt and pepper Cook for about two to three minutes until the edges are very crispy Flip and top immediately with a slice of American cheese Cook for one more minute until cheese is melted

Warm the tortillas:

Place each tortilla on the griddle for thirty seconds per side so they are soft and a tiny bit toasty This keeps them from cracking or becoming soggy

Assemble the tortilla burgers:

Place a cheesy burger on each warmed tortilla Add diced onion and pickle slices generously Drizzle with plenty of sauce Top with shredded lettuce if you like extra freshness

Serve immediately:

Enjoy your smash burger tacos while hot as the cheese is gooey and everything is at its best Feel free to add more of your favorite burger toppings

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My family cannot get enough of the sauce and there is always a bit extra made for dipping fries or veggies It is the little things like crunchy pickles or extra cheese that seem to start the most spirited dinner table debates

Storage Tips

If you need to store leftovers keep all cooked components separate Refrigerate the cooked beef patties toppings and sauce in airtight containers Warm the beef and tortillas just before serving so nothing goes soggy The assembled tacos are best eaten fresh

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option

Try whole wheat or corn tortillas if you want more fiber or a different flavor

Cheddar or pepper jack cheese also melt nicely if you want to switch things up

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with sweet potato fries or a crisp salad for balance

Extra pickle chips or even a slice of tomato give more burger flavor

This recipe is fun for parties as a taco bar where everyone can top their own

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe takes inspiration from American smash burgers known for their crispy crusts and classic burger seasoning inside a Mexican staple the tortilla It is a playful cross between hamburger night and taco night a reflection of creative home cooks adapting dishes for speed and fun

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best for smash burgers?

Use ground beef with at least 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio so the patties stay juicy and flavorful when smashed.

→ How do you get crispy burger edges?

Preheat your griddle until hot and smash the beef firmly with a spatula to achieve those signature crispy edges.

→ Can I substitute the flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas or low-carb wraps can be used, but flour tortillas are best for flexibility and classic taste.

→ What toppings work well with these burgers?

Traditional burger toppings like shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, diced onions, and a tangy sauce pair perfectly.

→ How do you keep tortillas from tearing?

Warming the tortillas on the griddle until pliable helps prevent cracking or tearing during assembly.