Crispy mini tacos with smashed beef patties, melted cheese, and fresh classic toppings for a tasty meal.
# Components:
→ Beef
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Taco Shells
04 - 8 mini flour tortillas (4-5 inches diameter)
05 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Cheese
06 - 8 slices American cheese or cheddar, quartered
→ Toppings
07 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
08 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
09 - 1 ripe tomato, diced
10 - 1/4 cup chopped pickles
11 - 1/3 cup burger sauce or mayonnaise
12 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
13 - 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
# Method steps:
01 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions of approximately 2 ounces each. Season each portion evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03 - Place a mini flour tortilla on the hot skillet. Position a seasoned beef ball in the center and use a spatula or burger press to smash it flat until it nearly covers the tortilla surface.
04 - Cook for 2-3 minutes while gently pressing, until the beef develops a brown, crispy crust on the bottom.
05 - Flip the tortilla and beef together as one unit. Immediately place a cheese piece on the beef side and cook for 1 additional minute until the cheese melts completely and the tortilla becomes golden and crispy.
06 - Transfer the cooked mini taco to a warm plate. Repeat steps 3-5 with remaining tortillas and beef portions, adding additional oil to the skillet as needed between batches.
07 - Layer lettuce, tomato, diced onion, and pickles into each warm mini taco. Drizzle with burger sauce, mustard, and ketchup as desired. Fold and serve immediately.
