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Crispy Weeknight Smash Burger Tacos with Cheddar Skirt

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A quick and satisfying weeknight recipe featuring smashed ground beef patties with a crispy, melty cheddar cheese skirt served in warm flour tortillas. Perfect for busy evenings and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground chuck
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting tortillas)
  • Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chipotle mayo, ketchup, mustard
  • Optional additions: thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, diced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot but not smoking.
  2. Divide ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2.5 ounces/70g each) and roll into loose balls without overworking the meat.
  3. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on top of each portion.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to the skillet. Place 2 or 3 beef balls on the hot pan without overcrowding.
  5. Using a sturdy, flat spatula, press down firmly to smash the balls into thin patties about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to create a crust.
  6. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons (20g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese around the edges of each patty, letting it spread onto the skillet.
  7. Cook patties undisturbed for 3 minutes until cheese melts and crisps forming a golden skirt and edges brown.
  8. Carefully flip the patties with the cheddar skirt intact and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
  9. While the second side cooks, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a separate pan over medium heat and lightly toast each flour tortilla for 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly golden.
  10. Place each crispy patty with cheddar skirt onto a warm tortilla and add preferred toppings.
  11. Serve immediately while the cheddar skirt is still crisp.

Notes

Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best melting and crisping; avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Keep skillet well-seasoned or lightly oiled to prevent cheese from sticking. Do not press patties after initial smash to keep them juicy. Cook patties in batches to avoid overcrowding. Toast tortillas with butter for extra flavor and better texture. For gluten-free, swap flour tortillas for corn or gluten-free wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, cheddar skirt, quick dinner, weeknight meal, crispy burger, easy recipe, ground beef, taco night

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/crispy-weeknight-smash-burger-tacos-with-cheddar-skirt-easy-recipe/