Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat percentage)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

10 cracks fresh black pepper

6 (six-inch) flour tortillas

6 slices muenster or provolone cheese

Shredded lettuce (for topping)

Chopped white onion (for topping)

Dill pickle chips (for topping)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon mustard

2 tablespoons minced bread & butter pickles

1 tablespoon pickle brine

10 cracks fresh black pepper (for sauce)

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, minced pickles, pickle brine, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use; the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Step 2: Mix kosher salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top and bottom of the ground beef. Divide the beef into 2 1/2 ounce balls, handling gently to avoid toughness. Place balls on a plate and refrigerate until the flat top griddle is preheated.

Step 3: Preheat an ungreased flat top griddle on high heat until very hot—this is key to getting crispy, juicy beef.

Step 4: Place each beef ball on the hot griddle, then set a six-inch flour tortilla on top.

Step 5: Firmly smash down each tortilla with a pressing tool to flatten the meat as thin as possible. Cook for 1 minute, then press down again to render fat from the edges. Let cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until patties are cooked through.

Step 6: Using a stiff steel spatula, check that the burgers are browned and crispy underneath. If not, increase the heat. When ready, flip each smash burger taco onto its tortilla side, cooking for another 2 minutes to crisp the tortilla. Top each with a slice of cheese to melt as the tortilla crisps.

Step 7: Remove from heat, add the burger sauce and your preferred toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped onion, and pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Using flour tortillas helps the meat stick better and absorbs flavorful juices more effectively.

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger sauce.

Try swapping muenster or provolone for cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.

Less handling of the meat keeps the burgers tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use beef with a different fat percentage?

While 80/20 is ideal for juicy smash burgers, you can use leaner beef but expect less fat rendering and potentially drier patties. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.