Ingredients
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4-6 flour tortillas (5-7” size; use 6 if smaller)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
For the Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4-5 dill pickle rounds, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried shallots (or 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh shallot)
Instructions
- Make the burger sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, distilled white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and dried or fresh shallots. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well mixed. Refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the burgers to allow flavors to meld.
- Form the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 balls of 4 ounces each, or 5-6 balls if smaller portions (around 3 ounces each). This will ensure uniform cooking and easy handling during smashing.
- Heat the pan and cook the patties: Preheat a cast iron pan or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place one beef ball in the center of the pan, season with kosher salt and black pepper. Immediately place a flour tortilla on top of the beef ball and use a large metal spatula or a small pot to firmly press down, smashing the beef into a very thin patty. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes or until the edges are dark and crispy.
- Flip and melt cheese: Using a metal spatula, carefully scrape under the burger patty and flip it over, tortilla and all. Reduce heat to low, place a slice of American cheese on top of the beef patty, and cover with a lid to melt the cheese for roughly 1 minute.
- Assemble the tacos: Remove the taco from the pan while warm. Top the melted cheese and crispy patty with shredded iceberg lettuce and a generous spoonful of the prepared Big Mac sauce. Repeat for remaining patties and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using a cast iron pan or griddle is essential for achieving the crispy, caramelized crust on the patties.
- Smashing the beef thin ensures maximum crust and flavor with quick cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference; the Big Mac sauce can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor.
- Flour tortillas should be warmed slightly before using for easier handling.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
