Next, I flipped the patties and watched in delight as they continued to cook. I topped each one with a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking so they could melt perfectly. My kitchen was already filling up with that heavenly burger aroma. Once the cheese melted, I quickly pulled the burgers off the heat and set them aside to rest, giving them a chance to lock in those juices.
While the burgers were cooling, I warmed the tortillas in my skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. I find that this really enhances the flavor and makes them a bit more pliable. By the time all the components were ready, my heart was racing—this was the moment I was waiting for! I assembled everything by layering the warm taco shell with the cheesy smash burger patty, followed by heaps of lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and a drizzle of mayonnaise and mustard. It was a vibrant visual feast!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe in a few different ways, and I have come to love using an 80/20 blend of ground beef. Trust me, don’t go for the leaner meats; it just won’t have that juicy flavor you want. If you opt for ground turkey or chicken, consider adding extra seasoning to keep it flavorful.
Another pro tip is to have all your toppings prepped and ready before you start cooking the burgers. This way, you won’t feel rushed to assemble everything while the patties are still hot. I’ve tried cooking the burgers and prepping at the same time, but trust me—having everything ready makes for a smooth assembly line!
Lastly, don’t shy away from making your own sauce. I learned that mixing mayonnaise with a touch of sriracha or barbecue sauce creates a tangy drizzle that elevates these tacos to the next level. It’s little tweaks like these that provide those flavor fireworks we all crave. (See the next page below to continue…)