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Savory Smash Burger Tacos with Easy Homemade Special Sauce and Pickled Onions

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These savory smash burger tacos combine crispy smashed beef patties, creamy special sauce, and tangy pickled onions for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that feels like a celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy, flavorful patties)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or avocado oil (for frying)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp pickle juice (from jarred pickles)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
  • Pickles or sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled onions by thinly slicing the red onion. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  2. Place sliced onions in a heatproof jar or bowl and pour the hot vinegar mixture over them. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Make the special sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Lightly form into loose balls without overworking the meat.
  5. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. When hot, place 2-3 meat balls into the pan without crowding.
  6. Press each ball firmly with a spatula or burger press to create thin patties about ¼ inch thick. Hold for about 10 seconds to maintain shape. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook patties without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and crispy. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining patties.
  8. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes.
  9. Assemble tacos by spreading special sauce on each tortilla, adding a smashed burger patty, then topping with pickled onions and shredded lettuce or cabbage if desired. Add pickles or jalapeños for extra flavor.
  10. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use a hot cast iron skillet for crispy edges. Don’t overwork the beef to keep patties tender. Season patties after smashing to avoid drying out. Warm tortillas before assembling. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Vegan mayo can substitute regular mayo for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, special sauce, pickled onions, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/savory-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-special-sauce-pickled-onions/