Quick Pan Fried Smash Burger Tacos with Ground Beef Recipe
These Quick Pan Fried Smash Burger Tacos combine the juicy, flavorful goodness of smash burgers with the convenience of tacos. Ready in just 20 minutes, they feature perfectly seasoned ground beef smashed onto small flour tortillas, topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a tangy Big Mac sauce for a delicious twist on traditional tacos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 pound lean (80/20) ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas (about 5 inches each)
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- About 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high heat cooking oil
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce (iceberg preferred)
- Diced tomatoes
- Big Mac sauce
Instructions
- Season the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions, shaping each into a ball slightly larger than a golf ball.
- Prepare the Tortillas and Smash the Beef: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface. Place one beef ball on each tortilla. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy cup or measuring cup, press down firmly on each beef ball to 'smash' it flat so that it evenly covers the tortilla surface.
- Heat the Pan and Add Oil: Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1-2 teaspoons of avocado oil. The oil should shimmer when hot. Be careful not to add too much oil to avoid soggy tortillas later.
- Cook the Beef Side: Place 2 to 3 tortillas in the pan, beef side down, depending on the pan size. Cook without moving them for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef develops a golden brown crust.
- Flip, Add Cheese, and Cook Tortilla Side: Flip each taco carefully, and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the beef. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts, the tortilla becomes golden, and the beef is fully cooked. If oil pools in the pan, wipe it out with a paper towel before flipping, or transfer the tacos to another pan for finishing to avoid sogginess.
- Serve: Remove the tacos from the heat. Top each with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of Big Mac sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a sturdy spatula or flat utensil to smash and flip the beef patties carefully, as they are thin and delicate.
- For best results, use flour tortillas that are about 5 inches in diameter to allow the beef to cover the surface properly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; some prefer more or less salt and pepper.
- To reduce sogginess, avoid adding excess oil to the pan since the beef will release fat during cooking.
- If Big Mac sauce is unavailable, substitute with a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped pickles, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor.
