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Cheesy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Secret Sauce

cheesy smash burger tacos - featured image

These flavorful cheesy smash burger tacos combine crispy smashed beef patties, melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas (about 6-inch size)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, pickles sliced, chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally. After 10 minutes, sprinkle sugar and continue cooking until onions are deep golden brown, about 10-15 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the secret sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Form the smash burger patties: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Roll loosely into balls and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the smash burgers: Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place 2-3 beef balls in the pan without overcrowding. Press down firmly with a spatula to form thin patties about ¼ inch thick. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown. Flip, place a slice of cheese on each patty, and cook 1-2 minutes more until cheese melts and burgers are cooked through. Transfer patties to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Repeat with remai…
  5. Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel until soft and pliable.
  6. Assemble the tacos: Spread secret sauce on each tortilla. Layer with 2 cheesy smash burger patties, caramelized onions, and optional toppings like shredded lettuce or pickles.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Use freshly ground 80/20 beef for juiciness. Do not press patties after flipping to retain juices. Cook patties in batches to avoid steaming. Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for best flavor. Secret sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and mayo. Gluten-free tortillas can be used for gluten-sensitive diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, caramelized onions, secret sauce, cheesy, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food