Welcome, taco lovers! Today, we’re diving into an extraordinary mashup of flavors that will delight your taste buds—Animal Style Smashburger Tacos! If you’re a fan of classic American cheeseburgers and flavorful tacos, then this delicious creation is perfect for you. You won’t want to miss out on these juicy, cheesy Animal Style Smashburger Tacos, a true game-changer for your next taco night. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just indulging yourself, these tacos are the ultimate comfort food that blends burger nostalgia with Mexican-inspired goodness.
Introduction
Animal Style Smashburger Tacos are the fusion dish you didn’t know you needed, bringing together the best of both worlds: juicy, crispy smash burgers and soft tacos. Born from the love of In-N-Out’s famous “Animal Style” burger, this recipe adds a new twist by using tortillas as the base, making it a delightful handheld treat.
The key element of Animal Style Smashburger Tacos is its iconic spread, grilled onions, and layers of gooey cheese. The best part? These tacos are quick to make and packed with flavor, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. They blend the savory beef patty of a burger with the fun, bite-sized experience of tacos, which is why this dish is a must-try for fans of American classics with a Mexican twist.
Ingredients for Animal Style Smashburger Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious creation to life. The following ingredients are simple yet full of flavor, and you likely already have most of them in your kitchen:
For the Spread:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
For Assembly and Serving:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- ¾ pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
- 8 slices American cheese, unwrapped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Sliced dill pickles, for serving
- 1 small Campari tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 romaine heart, finely shredded
Optional Substitutions:
- Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use vegan cheese and plant-based beef for a vegan version.
- Opt for gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How to Make Animal Style Smashburger Tacos – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Spread
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, minced red onion, white vinegar, and sugar. Once combined, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This spread can be made up to a week in advance.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
Portion out 1.2 oz (32g) of ground beef for each taco. Press the meat onto the flour tortillas, spreading it thinly and evenly to the edges. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Next, spread about ½ teaspoon of yellow mustard over each pressed patty. Season the beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Cooking the Smashburger Tacos
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the tortillas meat-side down into the skillet. Use a heavy spatula to press the tortilla firmly onto the pan, smashing the beef against the tortilla. Cook for about 1 minute, then use a metal spatula to flip the tortilla and warm the other side briefly. Once flipped, immediately place a slice of American cheese on top.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
After all the smashburger tacos have been cooked, add the diced yellow onions to the skillet. Sauté them in the rendered beef fat for about 8 minutes until they soften and begin to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To assemble, spread a spoonful of the prepared spread on each taco, top with the grilled onions, a few pickle slices, a slice of tomato, and a sprinkle of shredded lettuce. Serve the tacos hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips for Animal Style Smashburger Tacos
- Use a heavy metal spatula or even a pan to press the tortillas into the skillet. This ensures a crispy, delicious smashburger texture.
- Make sure to season the beef generously with salt and pepper before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best experience, as the tortillas will maintain their crispiness and the cheese will stay perfectly melted.
Cooking Tips for the Best Animal Style Smashburger Tacos
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicier patty. The fat content ensures the meat stays tender while crisping up perfectly in the pan.
- Cooking on a cast iron skillet is key for getting that signature crispy edge on the beef and tortilla.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the tortillas lightly before pressing the beef onto them.
- You can also add a bit of paprika or garlic powder to the beef for an extra punch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Animal Style Smashburger Tacos
Pair these tacos with a side of crispy French fries, seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper, just like a classic burger meal. For a refreshing beverage, a homemade lemonade or iced tea complements the rich flavors of the smashburger tacos perfectly. You can also offer a dipping side of ranch dressing or extra animal-style sauce for those who love extra condiments.
Nutritional Information
These Animal Style Smashburger Tacos pack a flavorful punch but still manage to offer a well-rounded meal. Each serving provides:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
Storage and Leftovers for Animal Style Smashburger Tacos
If you happen to have leftovers (although it’s hard to imagine!), you can store the Animal Style Smashburger Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them in 30-second intervals. For best results, try to store the components separately to avoid soggy tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Animal Style Smashburger Tacos
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and use gluten-free condiments in the spread. - What type of cheese works best?
American cheese is recommended for its meltability, but cheddar or provolone are excellent substitutes. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegan cheese for a delicious vegetarian version. - How do I keep the tacos crispy?
Serve them immediately after cooking to ensure the tortillas stay crispy. Reheat them in a skillet rather than a microwave for best results.
Related Recipes for Animal Style Smashburger Tacos Lovers
Here are two more optimal recipes that taco enthusiasts will love:
- Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Cornbread – A Hearty Meal
- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix – Easy & Tasty
- Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making these Animal Style Smashburger Tacos as much as we loved creating this recipe for you! It’s a fun and flavorful way to take your taco night to the next level. Don’t forget to share your feedback or any creative variations you come up with. Until next time, enjoy your delicious taco creations!
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Animal Style Smashburger Tacos – Easy & Delicious Recipe
Description
Welcome, taco lovers! Today, we’re diving into an extraordinary mashup of flavors that will delight your taste buds—Animal Style Smashburger Tacos! If you’re a fan of classic American cheeseburgers and flavorful tacos, then this delicious creation is perfect for you. You won’t want to miss out on these juicy, cheesy Animal Style Smashburger Tacos, a true game-changer for your next taco night. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just indulging yourself, these tacos are the ultimate comfort food that blends burger nostalgia with Mexican-inspired goodness.
Ingredients
For the Spread:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
For Assembly and Serving:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- ¾ pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, as needed
- 8 slices American cheese, unwrapped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Sliced dill pickles, for serving
- 1 small Campari tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 romaine heart, finely shredded
Optional Substitutions:
- Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use vegan cheese and plant-based beef for a vegan version.
- Opt for gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spread
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, minced red onion, white vinegar, and sugar. Once combined, cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. This spread can be made up to a week in advance.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef
Portion out 1.2 oz (32g) of ground beef for each taco. Press the meat onto the flour tortillas, spreading it thinly and evenly to the edges. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Next, spread about ½ teaspoon of yellow mustard over each pressed patty. Season the beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Cooking the Smashburger Tacos
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the tortillas meat-side down into the skillet. Use a heavy spatula to press the tortilla firmly onto the pan, smashing the beef against the tortilla. Cook for about 1 minute, then use a metal spatula to flip the tortilla and warm the other side briefly. Once flipped, immediately place a slice of American cheese on top.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
After all the smashburger tacos have been cooked, add the diced yellow onions to the skillet. Sauté them in the rendered beef fat for about 8 minutes until they soften and begin to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To assemble, spread a spoonful of the prepared spread on each taco, top with the grilled onions, a few pickle slices, a slice of tomato, and a sprinkle of shredded lettuce. Serve the tacos hot and enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use a heavy metal spatula or even a pan to press the tortillas into the skillet. This ensures a crispy, delicious smashburger texture.
- Make sure to season the beef generously with salt and pepper before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best experience, as the tortillas will maintain their crispiness and the cheese will stay perfectly melted.
