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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos with Cheese Shells

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A fun and flavorful twist combining crispy cheese shells with juicy smashed burger patties, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 ounces (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil (e.g., avocado oil)
  • 8 small mini flour or corn tortillas (4–5 inches diameter), optional
  • Sliced pickles, for topping
  • Shredded lettuce, for topping
  • Optional sauces: ketchup, mustard, or spicy mayo

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese shells: Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of butter or oil. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup (28g) shredded cheddar cheese into a circle roughly the size of your tortillas. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove and drape over a small bowl or taco rack to cool and harden. Repeat for all shells.
  2. Season the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly without overworking.
  3. Form and smash patties: Divide beef into 8 equal portions (~2 ounces each). Roll into loose balls. Heat skillet with oil over high heat. Place each ball in skillet and immediately press down firmly with spatula to flatten into thin patties about 3-4 inches in diameter. Cook 2-3 minutes until crispy and browned on edges.
  4. Flip and melt cheese: Flip patties and top each with a slice or sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Cook 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble tacos: Place each smash burger inside a cheese shell. Add shredded lettuce, pickles, and sauces as desired. Optionally wrap cheese shell taco in warm tortilla for easier handling.

Notes

Ensure skillet is hot before adding cheese to get crispy shells. Press burger patties firmly but gently to retain juiciness. Cook cheese shells first, then burgers while shells cool. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days; reheat in oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, cheese shells, crispy tacos, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, low carb, keto, gluten free

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-with-cheese-shells-easy-homemade-recipe/