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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe Easy Homemade with Special Sauce and Onions

crispy smash burger tacos - featured image

A quick and easy recipe combining crispy smash burger patties with tangy special sauce and caramelized onions, served in soft tortillas for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 6 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for onions and toasting tortillas)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice (5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 ml)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid burning.
  2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Divide ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 75 g each). Roll each into a loose ball without overworking the meat.
  4. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add a small pat of butter or light oil. Place a beef ball in the pan and immediately smash it flat to about ¼-inch thickness using a spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 patties at a time without crowding the pan.
  5. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes without moving until edges develop a deep brown crust. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
  6. Wipe skillet clean and add a small pat of butter. Toast tortillas one at a time for 30 seconds on each side until lightly golden and pliable.
  7. Assemble tacos by spreading special sauce on each tortilla, adding a crispy smash burger patty, topping with caramelized onions and optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, crispy edges. Preheat skillet well and press patties firmly and quickly. Avoid flipping too soon to develop crust. Butter-toast tortillas to prevent sogginess. Caramelize onions low and slow for sweetness. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas; for dairy-free, use vegan mayo and oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, crispy burger, special sauce, caramelized onions, easy dinner, quick recipe, homemade tacos