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Savory Smash Burger Tacos with Creamy Queso Drizzle

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These savory smash burger tacos feature crispy, juicy beef patties nestled in soft tortillas and topped with a rich, creamy queso drizzle. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they combine bold flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
  • Pickled jalapeños or sliced avocado (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Divide into 8 equal portions and loosely form into balls. Keep chilled.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk and cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheddar, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil and swirl to coat. Place 2-3 beef balls in the pan without crowding. Press each ball firmly down to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining patties.
  4. Warm tortillas individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
  5. Assemble tacos by laying a warm tortilla on a plate, adding shredded lettuce or cabbage, placing a smash burger patty on top, then drizzling generously with queso sauce. Garnish with diced tomatoes, cilantro or green onions, and optional toppings.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain high heat for a good sear. If queso sauce thickens, add a splash of milk to loosen. Press patties firmly but avoid making them too thin to retain juiciness. Warm tortillas while queso simmers for efficient assembly. For gluten-free, use corn or gluten-free tortillas; for dairy-free queso, use soaked cashews blended with nutritional yeast and spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger tacos, creamy queso drizzle, easy taco recipe, quick dinner, ground beef tacos, homemade tacos, cast iron skillet burgers

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/savory-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-queso-drizzle/