Crispy Smashed Cowboy Butter Burger Tacos Stuffed with Melty Cheese, Caramelized Edges & Served with a Bold Spicy Garlic Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Burger Meat
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Cowboy Butter
6 tbsp butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp flaky salt
For the Burger Tacos
10–12 small flour tortillas
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or American cheese
Oil or butter for the skillet
Shredded lettuce (optional)
Thinly sliced pickles (optional)
Diced onions (optional)
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce
½ cup mayo
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp hot honey
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Add-Ons
Jalapeños
Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Extra cowboy butter for brushing
Sliced tomatoes
Directions:
Season the Beef
In a bowl, mix ground beef with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Roll into 10–12 small meatballs — one for each tortilla.
Smash the Burger Tacos
Heat a skillet or griddle to medium-high with a thin layer of oil.
Place a tortilla on the hot surface, then put a meatball directly in the center.
Using a spatula or burger press, smash the meatball firmly into a thin patty that spreads across most of the tortilla.
Cook 2–3 minutes until the beef browns and the tortilla begins to crisp.
Flip the entire taco so the tortilla is now on top and the meat is touching the pan.
Add cheese to the cooked side of the beef so it melts beautifully.
Brush the tortilla side with cowboy butter for major flavor.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melty and the tortilla is golden and crisp.
Repeat until all burgers are smashed and sizzling.
Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce
Whisk together mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, smoked paprika, hot honey, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth, creamy, and fiery.
Serve
Pile the burger tacos on a platter.
Top with lettuce, pickles, onions, or keep them plain and melty.
Brush lightly with extra cowboy butter for a glossy finish.
Serve hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side for dunking.
Expect crispy tortilla edges, juicy beef centers, and bold buttery seasoning in every bite.
Time + Nutrition
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~430 kcal per taco | Servings: 10–12
