Smash burger tacos

A perfect mashup of two favourite foods!

While I cannot take credit for inventing the smash burger taco, I am nonetheless very happy to share with you my interpretation of what I have been told was a viral recipe last year. I can understand why – they’re so quick and easy to prepare and taste absolutely fantastic. If you’re like me and find that hamburger buns are sometimes just ‘too much bread’, then you’ll probably love these tacos. Note that you can substitute about 3/4 cup (62 g) grated cheese for the slices of American cheese; plan on about 2 tablespoons (10 g) per taco. Use several skillets or a large griddle (stovetop, electric or one for an outdoor grill), to cook multiple tacos at once.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 6 medium-sized (7 inch/17.5 cm) flour tortillas
• 3 slices American cheese, cut diagonally in half
• 6 tomato slices, halved
• 1 cup (75 g) shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup (77 g) sliced pickles
• Condiments of choice (I used burger sauce, ketchup and mustard)

Method

• Divide ground beef into six equal portions. Shape each one into a ball with your hands and press down onto a tortilla, spreading out in an even layer that comes to within 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of the edge of the tortilla. The image below shows the smash burger taco prior to cooking and then when complete.

• Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place tortilla, meat side down, in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing down on the tortilla occasionally, until the meat is cooked throughout and the edges of the tortilla are starting to get crisp.
• Flip the tortilla so the meat is now facing up; place cheese on top. Place a lid on the pan; turn off heat and let sit 1 minute so cheese begins to melt.
• Transfer to a plate; add tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and condiments of choice. Fold in half and serve hot.

Makes 6 tacos.