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Flavorful Garlic Butter Smash Burger Tacos with Pickled Jalapeños

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These garlic butter smash burger tacos combine crispy, juicy patties with tangy pickled jalapeños wrapped in soft tortillas for a quick, flavorful taco night favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 6–8 small soft flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced thin
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional: mixed with a squeeze of lime)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter gently in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and let steep for 5 minutes. Keep warm.
  2. Season the ground beef: Place 1 pound of ground beef in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix to combine without overworking.
  3. Preheat the skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes.
  4. Form and smash the patties: Divide beef into 6 equal portions. Roll loosely into balls. Place one ball in the hot skillet, pour a teaspoon of garlic butter over it, and press down firmly with a spatula to flatten to about 1/4-inch thick. Hold pressure for 15-20 seconds. Repeat for remaining balls.
  5. Cook the patties: Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until crispy and browned around edges. Flip carefully, spoon more garlic butter on top, and immediately sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese over each patty. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
  6. Warm the tortillas: While patties cook, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until soft.
  7. Assemble the tacos: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (or mayo mixed with lime juice) on each warm tortilla. Place one cheesy smash burger patty on top, add shredded lettuce or cabbage, then a generous spoonful of pickled jalapeños.
  8. Finish and serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a very hot pan for a crispy crust. Press patties only once to keep them juicy. Add garlic butter between batches if skillet dries out. Corn tortillas can be used for gluten-free option. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and omit or replace cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, garlic butter, pickled jalapeños, easy tacos, quick dinner, taco recipe, homemade tacos, flavorful tacos

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/flavorful-garlic-butter-smash-burger-tacos-with-pickled-jalape-n-os-recipe-easy-homemade-tacos/