Description

Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce offer a bold and satisfying meal that fuses crispy, juicy smashed beef patties with soft tortillas, topped with a tangy, creamy special sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this customizable recipe is perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, delivering irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Patties

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Butter or oil, for cooking

Special Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt

Toppings

Soft flour tortillas (8-inch, 8 count)
Shredded lettuce (1 cup)
Diced tomatoes (1/2 cup)
Sliced pickles (1/4 cup)
Cheddar or American cheese slices (8 slices)
Onion, thinly sliced (optional, 1/4 cup)

Instructions

Prepare the Special Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Chill in the refrigerator to let flavors meld while you cook.
Shape and Smash the Patties: Divide ground beef into 8 balls, about 3 ounces each. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and melt a little butter or oil. Place each beef ball on the hot surface and press down firmly with a spatula to form thin, crispy patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until edges are golden and crispy.
Melt the Cheese: After flipping the patties, place a slice of cheese on each and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt as the patties finish cooking through.
Warm the Tortillas: Using the same skillet, lightly toast tortillas for 15-20 seconds per side until soft, pliable, and slightly charred for extra flavor.
Assemble Your Tacos: Place a cheesy smash patty on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, optional onions, and a generous drizzle of the special sauce. Fold the tortillas and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use a hot skillet to ensure patties develop a crispy crust without sticking.
Handle the beef gently to keep patties tender and juicy.
Press the meat balls firmly to maximize crispy edges and flavor.
Layer the special sauce last to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Serve patties immediately off the skillet for best texture and taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: smash burger tacos, special sauce, beef tacos, quick dinner, easy taco recipe, party food, gluten free tacos