Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the sauce. Stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Chill while you cook the tacos.
- Season the beef. Add ground beef to a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently so the beef stays tender.
- Press beef onto tortillas. Place a thin layer of beef directly onto each tortilla, spreading it all the way close to the edges.
- Heat the skillet. Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. A hot surface helps the beef brown and crisp.
- Cook beef-side down. Place each tortilla beef-side down in the skillet. Press lightly with a spatula and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Flip and add cheese. Flip the taco so the tortilla side is down. Add a slice of cheese over the beef and let it melt while the tortilla gets lightly crisp.
- Add toppings. Remove from the skillet and top with shredded lettuce, diced onion, pickles, and burger sauce.
- Fold and serve. Fold like a taco and serve warm while the tortilla is crisp, the cheese is melty, and the sauce is creamy.
Healthy Tips & Daily Wellness
These smash burger tacos are a fun comfort food dinner, but you can easily make them fit your meal style. Use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a lighter version. You can also use low-carb tortillas or smaller tortillas if you want a more portion-friendly meal.
For extra freshness, add more shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, or a side salad. The cool toppings balance the richness of the beef, cheese, and sauce.
If you want to reduce the sauce richness, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt. You still get a creamy texture, but the sauce tastes a little lighter and tangier.
For meal prep, prepare the sauce and toppings ahead of time, then cook the smash tacos fresh. They taste best right off the skillet because the tortilla stays crispy and the cheese stays melty.
