Smash burgers are arguably one of the best styles of burgers, but if you’re looking to mix things up while meeting your health goals, there’s a new Instagram recipe that’ll actually make you look forward to making dinner. We’re talking about high-protein smash burger tacos.
You use the same concept of smashing ground beef, but you use a tortilla instead of a burger bun. This mashup of Mexican and American cuisine may seem blasphemous to some, but one bite is all it takes to make you a believer.
High Protein Never Tasted So Good
This Instagram-famous smash burger taco recipe works as a quick lunch or a filling dinner. It also comes together before you know it. Each taco packs 26-grams of protein, 8-grams of fat, and 265 calories in every taco. Best of all, it’s ridiculously easy to make. For each taco, all you need is one mini tortilla, 3-ounces of lean ground beef (95/5), 1 slice of American cheese.
First you season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Then, you smash the ground beef evenly over your tortilla, then place it meat-side down on a hot pan. Let it sear until the edges start to crisp, then flip it to toast the tortilla, and top it off with cheese. Finish with shredded lettuce, plus finely diced onions and pickles for crunch and acidity.
Making the burger sauce is just as easy, too. Whisk together 1/3-cup of ketchup, 1/4-cup of light mayo, 1 1/2-teaspoon of mustard, and 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin as needed. You can drizzle or drench your taco as much as you’d like.
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Level Up Your Smash Burger Taco Game
This recipe works fine if you like the classic burger experience, but you can take these tacos in a dozen directions. Looking for a spicy kick? Replace American cheese with pepper jack and regular mayo with chipotle mayo. It also works well with sriracha, chili crisp, or hot honey.
Add some depth with caramelized onions, sautĂ©ed mushrooms, avocado slices, grilled corn, or pickled red onions. Looking to increase the protein? There are tons of ways to incorporate Greek yogurt or cottage cheese into a variety of sauces. Just blend one or the other with your favorite condiment, and you’ve got yourself a protein-packed sauce that still delivers on flavor.
Whether you’re chasing gains or just want a better way to do burger night, these high-protein smash tacos hit that perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and convenience. They’re quick, satisfying, and make eating healthier fun.
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