Viral Smash Burger Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 medium White Onion (peeled and quartered for processing)
• 7 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper (seeded and coarsely chopped)
• 1 bunch Cilantro Leaves (fresh, stems removed)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, preferably freshly minced)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (canned)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1.5 tsp Red Chili Flakes (approximately ½ tbsp)
• 1 tbsp Paprika Powder
• 0.5 tsp Sumac (optional, adds tangy flavor)
• to taste Salt
• 4 Small Flour Tortillas (6‑inch diameter, preferably soft)
• 4 slices Cheddar Cheese Slice (standard thickness, can use any meltable cheese)
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Sriracha Sauce
• 1 tsp Ketchup (optional)
• 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
• 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Powder
• 0.5 Additional White Onion (thinly sliced for topping)
• 0.5 Cucumber (thinly sliced for topping)
• 1 Jalapeño (thinly sliced, seeds optional)

Instructions

1. Process Aromatics

   Place the quartered white onion, garlic cloves, red bell pepper, and cilantro (or parsley) leaves in a food processor. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped, then process until a rough puree forms. Transfer to a bowl and discard excess liquid.

   Time: PT5M

2. Season the Beef

   In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef with the processed aromatics. Add tomato paste, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, paprika, optional sumac, and salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed.

   Time: PT5M

3. Chill the Mixture (Optional)

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the meat easier to shape.

   Time: PT15M

4. Form and Press Beef Balls

   Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll each portion into a ball, then place a ball on one side of a tortilla. Using a burger press or the flat side of a spatula, press the ball down onto the tortilla, spreading it thin and even.

   Time: PT5M

5. Cook the Taco Shells

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Place the tortilla‑beef side down in the hot pan. Press firmly for about 5 seconds, then let cook 2–3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crisp. Flip the tortilla, immediately place a slice of cheese on the cooked side, and cook another 1 minute until the cheese melts.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

6. Prepare the Burger Sauce

   In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, ketchup (if using), yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until needed.

   Time: PT3M

7. Assemble the Tacos

   Spread a generous layer of the burger sauce on each cooked taco shell. Top with sliced onions, cucumber, and jalapeño (or any other preferred toppings). Fold the tortilla in half and serve immediately.

   Time: PT5M

8. Serve and Enjoy

   Plate the tacos, garnish with extra cilantro if desired, and enjoy your smash burger tacos while hot.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

440

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g