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Savory Smashed Burger Tacos Recipe Easy Homemade with Caramelized Onion and Secret Sauce

savory smashed burger tacos - featured image

These savory smashed burger tacos combine crispy, juicy smashed patties with sweet caramelized onions and a smoky secret sauce, wrapped in sturdy tortillas for a delicious and easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend for best juiciness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Vegetable oil or butter, for the skillet
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce or arugula
  • Sliced pickles or jalapeños (optional)
  • Grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions, pinch of salt, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir occasionally until onions are soft and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Make the secret sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the burger patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently and divide into 8 equal portions, loosely forming balls.
  4. Cook the smashed burgers: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil or butter. Place 2-3 meat balls in the pan without crowding. Press each ball down firmly to about ¼-inch thickness. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark and crispy. Flip and cook another 2 minutes for medium doneness. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining patties.
  5. Warm the tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp cloth and microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm on a skillet for a few seconds each side.
  6. Assemble the tacos: Spread secret sauce on each tortilla. Add a smashed burger patty, top with caramelized onions, shredded lettuce or arugula, sliced pickles or jalapeños, and cheese if desired. Fold and serve immediately.

Notes

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for best juiciness and crisp edges. Don’t press down the patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking. The secret sauce tastes better if made ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. For dairy-free sauce, substitute mayonnaise with coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed burger tacos, caramelized onions, secret sauce, easy tacos, homemade tacos, quick dinner, comfort food